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Science Museum Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Field Museum

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$61K/yr

The Grainger Bioinformatics Center in the Science and Education Department at The Field Museum is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to conduct phylogenomic research on lichens. This is a ...

Field Museum

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$61K/yr

The Grainger Bioinformatics Center in the Science and Education Department at The Field Museum is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to conduct phylogenomic research on lichens. This is a ...

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How much do science museum jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for science museum in Chicago, IL is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a science museum?

Science museums are institutions dedicated to educating the public about science and technology through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs. These museums often feature displays on topics such as physics, biology, chemistry, and earth sciences, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. Science museums play a crucial role in inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of the scientific world.

What are the qualifications to work in a science museum?

The qualifications to work in a science museum depend largely on your specific responsibilities. If you are a curator or researcher, you need to have a background in science and training or an advanced degree in museum studies to coordinate exhibits properly. Development aids and associates should have a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a closely related field. Security guards and tour guides may only need a high school diploma. Jobs at science museums also require strong verbal communication skills and an interest in science and education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science museum educator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Museum Educator, you need a strong background in science education, public engagement, and often a degree in a scientific field or education. Familiarity with educational technology, exhibit design software, and museum management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning help educators engage diverse audiences and foster curiosity. These skills ensure effective science communication, memorable visitor experiences, and the promotion of lifelong learning.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a science museum, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in science museums often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse audiences, keeping exhibits up-to-date with current scientific advances, and balancing educational goals with visitor entertainment. Addressing these challenges involves ongoing professional development, collaborating closely with educators and scientists, and actively seeking visitor feedback to improve exhibit design and programming. Teamwork and adaptability are key, as museum staff frequently work cross-functionally to create interactive, accessible, and impactful experiences for all visitors.

What is the difference between Science Museum vs Science Educator?

AspectScience MuseumScience Educator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science, education, or museum studiesRequires a background in science or education, often with teaching certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic museums, exhibits, and interactive displaysClassrooms, workshops, and outreach programs within or outside museums
Employer & IndustryMuseums, science centers, cultural institutionsEducational institutions, museums, science centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving public engagement and exhibit managementCompared for roles focused on education delivery and visitor interaction

The main difference is that a Science Museum is an institution that houses exhibits and collections, while a Science Educator is a professional who teaches and engages visitors or students about science within or outside such institutions. Both roles require science knowledge, but the museum focuses on curation and display, whereas the educator emphasizes teaching and outreach.

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Science Museum jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Museum job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,393 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Patty Gerstenblith Legal Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position: Patty Gerstenblith Legal Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Office of VP and General Counsel
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum of Natural History has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

The Patty Gerstenblith Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law is a two-year position for early-career attorneys (a one-year term may be considered upon request). The Fellow will gain first-hand experience in the legal questions and practical concerns related to repatriation, acquisitions, provenance, research, and exhibition of scientific specimens and items of cultural heritage, as well as the broad range of other legal concerns facing not-for-profits, providing the Fellow with experiences applicable to counseling museums and other cultural organizations. The Fellowship will provide professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and an opportunity to complete a relevant professional certification.
The Legal Fellow reports to the General Counsel and serves as part of the Museum's in-house legal team. The Office of General Counsel protects the legal interests of the Museum, providing advice and counsel to senior management and other staff members in all departments of the Museum on a variety of matters, including but, not limited to, non-profit governance, collections management practices, labor and employment, compliance, risk management, contracts, intellectual property, charitable contributions, and cultural property.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provides legal support and assistance to the Museum Repatriation Center regarding NAGPRA compliance and related legal issues.
  • Assists the Collections Center with provenance research and analysis of collections items and potential acquisitions, compliance with cultural property laws and other import/export requirements.
  • Assists in identifying legal risks to the Museum and recommends appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
  • Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, transactional agreements, and other legal documents in a variety of areas.
  • Works closely with Museum staff to ensure that projects, procedures, contracts, and other documents meet the Museum's needs and protect the Museum's interests.
  • Assists in designing, drafting, and reviewing Museum policies and procedures; provides guidance on best practices.
  • Monitors compliance with applicable laws and regulations and recommends policy and contract changes, as necessary.
  • Keeps informed of emerging legal issues which may affect the Museum and provides advice and counsel on such.
  • Provides other legal assistance as required.

Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctorate (JD) from an ABA accredited institution.
  • Candidate must be in their first five years of practice.
  • Licensed to practice law in Illinois or eligible for and achieve admission or waive in to the Illinois Bar within a reasonable timeframe; must maintain law license for duration of employment.
  • Candidates awaiting bar exam results are welcome to apply.
  • Experience or demonstrated interest in working with museums, cultural organizations, not-for-profits, or institutions of higher education preferred.

Skills and Competencies:
  • Excellent legal, analytical, drafting, and written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels within the organization.
  • Experience in reviewing and drafting a variety of transactional agreements and legal documents.
  • Ability to prioritize, meet multiple, concurrent deadlines, and oversee a variety of projects to successful conclusion, working both independently and as part of a group.
  • Ability to develop and sustain collaborative, collegial relationships with varied internal clients and external constituencies.
  • Sound and practical business judgement and common sense; high standards for integrity.
  • Ability and willingness to gain expertise and perform work in unfamiliar areas of the law.

Applications must include the following:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • A personal statement (not to exceed 500 words) describing your interest in art, museum, and cultural heritage law and how this Fellowship will support your career goals
  • Three professional or academic references

Supervision Received:
Receives supervision by the General Counsel
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities
Work Hours:
35 hours/week
Term:
Two years; a one-year term may be considered upon request.
Hybrid Eligibility:
Eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation: This position is union exempt
Pay Range: $65,000 - 80,000/annually
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org .

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