Senior Collection Research Specialist

Role Purpose: As a leader on the research team, the Senior Collection Researcher mentors the Research Assistants and Collection Researchers sharing knowledge and experience in research practices while providing guidance on research principles, analysing data, evaluating sources, and interpreting research. In addition, the Senior Collection Researcher works independently within their scholarly field to further research including cultural, historical, scientific and provenance research of objects managed by the General Collection.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works independently to plan, organize, and conduct research including cultural, historical, scientific and provenance research to advance the public exposure and interpretation of objects in General Collections
• Utilizes both local and international resources in conducting research, such as local and international library archives, online collection resources, academic journals, and international policing agencies
• Follows and implements standards of General Collection’s Policy and Research & Library Procedures
• Articulates and shares findings with GC Research Team and Section Head
• Seeks to publish research in recognized international academic journals
• Manages multiple ongoing projects simultaneously and works under time sensitive deadlines
• Focal point for research queries from both internal QM colleagues and external institutions or scholars
• Leads curatorial approaches for General Collection exhibitions
• Mentors research assistants to record, analyze, evaluate, and interpret information discovered in research
• Keeps accurate collection records in computerized collections management system
• Verifies and records existing copyrights or intellectual property rights for objects in the collection
• Works closely with GC collection and conservation teams in preparing for exhibitions of collection objects
• Proposes and implements physical and/or digital exhibitions
• Constructs exhibition narratives, including catalog essays, wall text, object labels, and supporting interpretative materials for audiences
• Participates in training workshops to develop collection knowledge, curatorial approaches, and research skills
• Works cooperatively in a team environment
• Communicates with team members in both writing and in person as well as across various modes including email, Teams, and organized group chats
• Participates as an effective and valuable team member, including attending weekly GC team meetings

• Creative critical mind and informed openness about how museum collections can be most meaningful when they prompt questions that open perspectives.
• Prior museum or curatorial experience required.
• Experience using research resources within the field of art history.
• Experience using online and library research tools and conducting archival research.
• Experience with exhibitions and publications.
• Excellent organizational skills, time management and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to communicate and collaborate well with others in the realization of complex projects.
• Must be able to work independently and anticipate needs on complex projects.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and self-motivated to work on one’s own at the same time as follow direction.
• High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and database programs.
• BA in Art History/History, Museum Studies, or Liberal Arts field.
• Master’s degree in Art History/History or related cultural field.
• 12 years of experience.