Ishibashi Foundation Assistant Curator, Japanese Art

Position Summary:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston seeks a promising and dynamic scholar in the field of Japanese art to become the Ishibashi Foundation Assistant Curator of Japanese art. Reporting to the William and Helen Pounds Senior Curator of Japanese Art, thisposition at the MFA will provide the opportunity for a termed, two-year period to work with MFA curatorial staff on a wide range of projects (such as planning for exhibitions in Boston as well as Japan, cataloging of objects, and acquisition research). The Assistant Curator will be additionally encouraged to publish articles about the MFA’s collections and plan and submit exhibition and/or object install proposals on the collection. This work will entail object selection, research, presentation to exhibition committees and public relations, and catalogue and label writing. In addition the individual will consult with conservation departments about any object treatments needed and with collections management about housing and documentation. The Assistant Curator will make the collections accessible to visitors and when approved, lecture on the collections for professional meetings and Learning and Engagement programs. An interest and commitment to exploring the changing nature of art museums and their relationship to the public are desirable. The Assistant Curator may occasionally be asked to support the Senior Curator with administrative tasks, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in art history or Japanese culture (Ph.D. preferred). Demonstrated scholarly ability in the field of Japanese art through publications, conference papers, or other activities.
• One year of curatorial experience or demonstrated ability in interpreting and presenting objects.
• Fluency with spoken and written English required; facility with spoken and written Japanese necessary for scholarly research and administrative responsibilities.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Committed to collaboration with others to achieve the best outcome, and ability to make decisions to move plans and objectives forward.
• Strong sense of accountability for achieving stated objectives and demonstrable experience doing so.
• An international perspective but experienced in becoming personally and professionally committed to an institution’s city, people and artistic community.

Personal Qualities and Attributes:

• Intellectually rigorous
• Inspirational, passionate, curious
• Generous of spirit, a team player
• Superior judgment, tact and diplomacy, with good organizational skills

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials by December 29, 2023.

Salary Range

Two-year term position

Full-time, 35 hours per week

Salary: $72,517 - $73,227

This position is affiliated with the UAW union

The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.