The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Formally established in 1921, the department of Arts of Asia holds one of the largest Asian art collections in North America, consisting of nearly 30,000 objects that span five millennia and represent all artistic traditions of the entire continent. Distinguished artworks include Hindu and Buddhist sculpture; Chinese jades, bronzes, ceramics, and paintings; Japanese screens and woodblock prints— one of the finest assemblages in the world; Korean celadon; and Indian and Persian miniature paintings. The department employs five full time curators, a collection manager, a curatorial assistant, a specialist, a technician, and an administrative coordinator, as well as fellows and interns.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Indian, Southeast Asian, and Himalayan collections within the Arts of Asia department are internationally recognized for their scope, beauty, and quality. This includes the distinguished James W. and Marilynn B. Alsdorf collection, which lives at the heart of the museum in galleries designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop in 2008. The stone and metal sculptures from India are a unique and distinctive part of this collection, presenting a rich opportunity for new research, interpretation, and display.
The Alsdorf Senior Research Associate, a 2 year funded position, will build on a series of collection-based curatorial projects currently underway in the department of Arts of Asia focused on research and publication of the permanent collection. We are seeking an experienced scholar to research the collection in-depth and assist with creating interpretive materials under the guidance of the Chair of Arts of Asia and the Alsdorf Associate Curator of Indian, Southeast Asian, and Himalayan Art. The Alsdorf Senior Research Associate will cultivate research resources and maintain a portfolio of ongoing projects in their primary area of focus, lending their unique skills and building their expertise to support the museum’s approach to the interpretation and documentation of the permanent collection.
RESPONSIBILITIES
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS
Please be sure to submit a writing sample, a piece previously written and published or a simple sample on a related topic with your resume and application.
UNION INFO
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.