Assistant or Associate Curator of Antiquities

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Job Summary

Our Mission

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance and is one of four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust.  The Museum operates two facilities, the Getty Villa in Malibu, which exhibits its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which displays its collections of European art: Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings to 1900, and photographs to the present day (including non-European works).  The Museum mounts numerous temporary exhibitions a year across its two sites; maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program and offers wide-ranging and ambitious programming for its visitors. 

The Opportunity

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks a curator of Antiquities to join the Department of Antiquities located at the Getty Villa and will be filled at the Assistant Curator or Associate Curator level, based on qualifications.  The targeted hiring range for Assistant Curator is $72,381 - $95,895 annually; for Associate Conservator is $85,422 - $113,185 annually.   This is a full-time position within the curatorial team responsible for the Getty’s collection of predominantly Greek, Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian antiquities ranging from the Neolithic Period through Late Antiquity.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for Getty, without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

The ideal candidate will have an expertise in the art and archaeology of the ancient Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Egyptian or Late Antique cultures, and related fields to join the department of Antiquities at the Getty Villa.  Reporting directly to the Anissa and Paul John Balson II Senior Curator of Antiquities, the Assistant or Associate Curator will assist in developing, administering, and presenting the collection of antiquities.  This opportunity entails developing new research projects, continually expanding knowledge of the collections, building upon areas of collection strength, and establishing new opportunities for collaboration and partnerships while working with other curators in the department, colleagues across the Museum, and programs throughout Getty.

The successful candidate will have a strong academic background and an established record of publications in the material cultures of these periods. Responsibilities include developing engaging displays and interpretive materials for both the permanent and special exhibition collection galleries, conducting research and scholarly study of objects, maintaining and updating the online collections pages, proposing exhibitions and research projects, recommending acquisitions, and collaborating with museum colleagues, and scholars, including the visiting scholars of the Villa Scholar program. The ideal candidate will be passionate about object-based and historic research, have an understanding of the issues of provenance of archaeological material, be committed to shaping the future of the collection through thoughtful displays, impactful publications, gifts, and acquisitions, and be eager to interact with the public through interpretation, teaching, social media, specialized gallery tours, public presentations and lectures.

Work will initially be onsite for the first six months to be re-evaluated at that time for two days/week of telework.

Major Job Responsibilities

This position may be filled as Assistant Curator -or- Associate Curator, based on the following qualifications:

For Assistant Curator:

• Applies advanced knowledge of ancient art and archaeology to curatorial assignments of moderate complexity
• Performs scholarly research on the Antiquities collection
• May develop gallery installations and help to organize exhibitions in collaboration with contributing departments
• May travel and network nationally and internationally to develop collaborations with other museums, universities and research institutions
• Publishes and lectures in areas of specialization
• Manages day-to-day operations of assigned collections, including consultation with conservators, updating the database and online collection pages, responding to collection inquiries, offering collection tours for educators, docents, students, and the public
• May research and prepare acquisition proposals for the collections in collaboration with the Sr. Curator
• Collaborates in research projects; serves as a resource to scholars, visitors, and staff; and develops relationships with outside institutions and professionals
• Contributes to the development of interpretive programming, including public and educational programs, digital media, and social media
• Performs other duties as assigned

For Associate Curator:

• Applies advanced knowledge of antiquity to complex curatorial assignments
• Performs complex scholarly research to support the institutional mission
• Organizes significant exhibitions, major publications, and major acquisitions
• Cultivates connections nationally and internationally with scholars and museum colleagues
• Actively participates in collection development
• Publishes and lectures in areas of specialization
• Assesses conservation needs of the collections; participates in digitization; assesses loan requests
• Collaborates in and may lead research projects; shares collections and/or serves as a resource to scholars, visitors and staff

Qualifications

This position may be filled as Assistant Curator -or- Associate Curator, based on the following qualifications:

• Qualifications

  • Assistant Curator
  • Master’s degree in art history, art or art education OR 2-4 yrs of curatorial experience OR Ph.D.
  • Fluency in at least one foreign language (modern or ancient) required
  • Competent to work in most curatorial functions
  • Associate Curator
  • Master’s degree in art history, art or art education OR 4-7 yrs of curatorial experience OR Ph.D.
  • Fluency in at least one foreign language (modern or ancient) required
  • Skilled in all curatorial functions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Preferred Master’s or PhD degree in antiquities - Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Egyptian or Late Antique or related field
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to communicate and distill information for diverse audiences in print and online
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with teams across disciplines
• Competent with collection management and digital asset management tools, e.g. the TMS database system
• Accomplished in antiquity research and writing as well as in public speaking

Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.