Research Assistant at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Job Title: Research Assistant 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Salary: $24/hr

Description

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures furthers the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema through inclusive and accessible exhibitions, screenings, programs, initiatives, and collections. Welcoming visitors from Los Angeles and around the world, the Museum works in active partnership with motion picture artists and specialists, scholars, staff, and diverse communities to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema, inspiring discourse, connection, joy, and discovery.

Reporting to the Exhibitions Curator, the Research Assistant is assigned to exhibition projects and supports different curatorial team members in conducting primary research of content and objects for upcoming exhibitions at the Academy Museum. They will offer research and writing support for in-gallery didactics as well as digital projects relating to exhibition projects. They will support curatorial team members in their work on publications, including image research and administration. The candidate will also perform administrative duties. A strong understanding of American and international cinema history, excellent research and organizational skills, and attention to detail are a prerequisite for this position.

This position is represented by a union.

You Will:

  • Work with assigned curatorial team members to provide research and support all aspects of content creation for exhibitions as well as publications and digital projects developed in relation to an exhibition.
  • Work on different projects covering a wide range of film history topics in parallel.
  • Research films and biographies as well as objects in the Museum’s collection, external collections, and archives of other museums and studios.
  • Research images and media, including accurate credit and caption information and rights holders.
  • Communicate with rights holders of films.
  • Assist with exhibition checklist administration.
  • Be responsible for a variety of administrative duties related to the assigned exhibitions.
  • Collaborate with Museum staff across a variety of departments next to Curatorial including Exhibition Planning, Design and Production, Collections and Conservation, Publication, Digital Content & Strategy, Media Production, Education, and Legal, among others.

Position Requirements

You Have:

  • An M.A. in film or media studies, museum studies, or related subject matter is required.
  • 2-4 years of research experience required (higher education may be considered) and/or experience working in a similar role.
  • Demonstrated deep knowledge of American and international film history.
  • Advanced writing and editing skills
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Able to clearly structure and organize research findings
  • Able to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume work environment while maintaining a high level of organization and close attention to detail.
  • Able to set and meet deadline for oneself; proactive in assisting team members to meet common deadlines.
  • Ability to work collaboratively.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required; ability to work with Adobe software and/or Airtable is highly desirable.
  • Spanish language proficiency required, other foreign languages a plus.
  • Experience working in a museum or other arts environment is a plus.

Other Requirements:

  • If hired, we require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, unless a medical or religious accommodation is needed as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Our Benefits:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision.
  • PTO and Sick Time
  • 401(k)

Salary:

The expected hourly rate for this role is $24.04. The actual base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and other factors permitted by law. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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About the Organization The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 10,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

EOE Statement The Academy is committed to equal opportunity in employment and to creating and valuing diversity in its workforce. Maintaining a diverse workforce is important to the Academy. The Academy enforces a strict policy that prohibits discrimination in hiring, training, compensation, promotion, transfer, or termination, whether on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or genetic information. This includes a workplace that is free of all forms of harassment. Also, to help foster diversity, the Academy uses programs that ensure fairness of opportunity, pay, and growth to all applicants and employees. Every employee of the Academy is required to follow this policy and to preserve the Academy’s commitment to diversity.