Museum Research Worker jobs in Pennsylvania

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. 

How You Will Contribute

The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) invites applications for a two-year Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship in Scientific Research, which begins September 2024 and ends August 2026. The fellowship will provide the opportunity to gain working knowledge of and proficiency in the scientific research and instrumental analysis of cultural heritage materials within a museum setting.

Specifically, you will:

• Receive instruction on the proper usage of core analytical instruments (FTIR, Py-GCMS, Raman, SEM-EDS/WDS, and XRF) to engage in daily activities
• Develop original research focused on the PMA’s collections culminating in works of publishable quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

• PhD in the physical sciences granted within the last five years; course work in material science or polymer chemistry helpful
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proven ability to plan and execute original research
• Additional education or background in studio art, art history or conservation desirable
• Acute attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively and flexibly
• Strong interest in pursuing a scientific career in a museum setting
• Familiarization with processing large data sets

Position and Compensation Details

• The salary for this position is $55,000.
• The position includes an annual stipend for research and travel.
• This position is full-time, exempt, and 35 hours per week.
• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
• This position reports to The Senior Scientist
• The position will begin September 2, 2024, and end August 28, 2026
• Physical requirements:
  • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
  • Able to regularly set up, adjust, and operate a computer/keyboard and other office equipment used to generate work/transmit data. 
  • Able to move up to 20 pounds.
• COVID-19 vaccination required.
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum, and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2024.

Please include the following with your application:

• Cover letter with statement of interest
• Curriculum vitae including publication record.
• Official undergraduate transcripts
• Two confidential letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with candidate’s work and one personal reference mailed directly to:

Dr. Kate Duffy, Conservation Division
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PO Box 7646
Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646
(kate.duffy@philamuseum.org)

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.