Research Assistant (Temporary) Jobs

Position Description
Updated June 11, 2023
Title: Research Assistant
Division: Collections & Exhibitions
Reports to: Senior Curator
Position Status: Part-time; Non-Exempt (Temporary)
Salary Range: $20.00/hour
Position Summary
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) is organizing an exhibition on the history of immigration in Virginia scheduled to open in 2026. The Research Assistant will help the curator with preliminary research and development of exhibition themes, content, and contacts. Primary responsibilities include conducting research related to specific exhibition themes, stories, and artifacts; identifying historical objects and images; and conducting outreach to individuals and organizations. This temporary position is part-time at 20 hours per week, for a one-year term (September 1, 2023 - August 30, 2024).
Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify artifacts and images for potential inclusion in the exhibition
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Develop a bibliography of primary and secondary sources
• Conduct research on individuals, events, and topics associated with the history of immigration in the United States, particularly Virginia
• Conduct outreach to individuals, organizations, and other resources
• Compile research findings for curator's use

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Necessary

• Familiarity with museum collection databases and collection cataloguing desirable
• Advanced knowledge of immigration history in America and related scholarship; knowledge of Virginia history also helpful
• Ability to read and speak Spanish desirable
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Well-organized, methodical, and able to work independently and cooperatively with others
• Excellent research abilities using a range of primary and secondary sources, as well as digital resources

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, M.A. or Ph.D. preferred, with specialized study in American history, immigration studies, or relevant field.
• Extensive experience conducting advanced research for an academic or museum project.
• Experience working in a museum or historical institution, and/or engaging with community groups desirable.

Note & Special Requirements
This position will require in-person work, with the possibility of travel to other archives and resources.
Application
If interested in this job opportunity, please apply and upload your cover letter and resume to https://virginiahistory.isolvedhire.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Job_Opportunities.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society - a private, non-profit organization established in 1831. The historical society is the oldest cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the nation. For use in its state history museum and its renowned research library, the historical society cares for a collection of nearly nine million items representing the ever-evolving story of Virginia.
The Virginia Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.