Research Assistant

Overview

The Princeton University Art Museum (PUAM) is seeking a part-time Research Assistant from October 2026 to June 2027 to support provenance research, with a particular focus on objects in the Asian Art, American Art, and Prints & Drawings collections, as well as research into Nazi-era gaps in provenance across the collection. This position is temporary.

About the Museum:

With a collecting history that extends back to 1755, the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the leading university art museums in the country, featuring collections that have grown to include more than 117,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary art and spanning the globe. Committed to advancing Princeton’s teaching and research missions, the Art Museum also serves as a gateway to the University for visitors from around the world. 

The bold and welcoming new Princeton University Art Museum is open daily at the heart of Princeton’s campus. Admission is free to all. The Museum also operates Art@Bainbridge, a gallery project at 158 Nassau Street; two Museum Stores; and Mosaic restaurant. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct curatorial and archival research to trace the ownership and acquisition history of artworks and artifacts;
• Assist in maintaining detailed documentation by updating the museum’s collections management database with newly discovered provenance data;
• Assist with composing provenance statements for publication on the Museum’s website.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• M.A. in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• Prior employment or internship experience with provenance research in a museum or art market context, or related experience.
• Interest in art law, cultural patrimony, and heritage issues. 

Preferred Requirements:

• PhD in Art History or related field.
• Some familiarity with the practice and methods of provenance research.
• Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language, with French and German being particularly desirable.

Be advised that you will be contacted only if there is further interest in your application. Your candidate dashboard may not display status updates for this requisition.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

0.00

Eligible for Overtime

Yes

Benefits Eligible

No

Probationary Period

N/A

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

No #LI-LO1

Salary Range

$24.25 Minimum Hourly Rate