Job Title: Researcher/Curatorial Assistant.
Department: Curatorial and Collections.
Reporting to: Head of Curatorial and Collections/ Curator of the Permanent Exhibition.
Contract Type: Full-time, fixed-term contract.
Contract Duration: 12 months.
Scope of Work: Carrying out research-related tasks for the Palestinian Museum’s exhibitions, with a particular focus on developing research associated with the Permanent Exhibition.
About the Project / Permanent Exhibition
The Palestinian Museum is developing its Permanent Exhibition, which explores the modern social, cultural, and political history of Palestine through the lens of material culture. The exhibition particularly focuses on the history of Palestinian arts, crafts, and cultural practices-from the early 19th century to the present day-as well as on contemporary practices that seek to revive and reinterpret these traditions in new contexts.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Curatorial and Collections Department or the Curator of the Permanent Exhibition, the Researcher/Curatorial Assistant contributes - within the museum’s strategy, policies, and procedures to achieving the museum’s goals and advancing its mission to design and implement cultural, artistic, and educational exhibitions and to contribute to the production of narratives about Palestine’s history, culture, and society, by performing the following tasks:
- Contribute to historical and archival research on urban, rural, and Bedouin arts and crafts in Palestine from the 19th century to the present.
- Collect and analyze primary and secondary sources, including documents, photographs, interviews, and both private and public collections.
- Prepare research summaries and curatorial notes to support the development of the Permanent Exhibition’s narrative and content.
- Engage with contemporary artisans and artists who are reviving traditional practices and document their work and methods.
- Contribute to the writing of exhibition texts and interpretive materials for visitors and assist in developing content for guided tours and exhibition-related media materials in coordination with the Communications Unit.
- Work closely with the lead curator and design team to ensure the integration of research within the exhibition’s visual and narrative design.
- Participate in regular team meetings and provide updates on progress.
- Contribute to progress reports as required.
- Perform any other related tasks assigned by the Curator of the Permanent Exhibition.
Authority and Supervision
- Direct Subordinates: None
- Internal Relations: Curatorial and Collections team, Public Programs and Production Department, internal and external curators, researchers, and archivists.
- External Relations: Cultural, artistic, research, and academic institutions, public organizations, artists and curators, consultants, collectors, funders, and design firms.
Job Requirements
- Academic Qualifications and Professional Experience
- A university degree in fields such as history, architecture, anthropology, visual arts, design, or museum studies (master’s degree preferred).
- Previous experience in research, curatorial work, or archival projects.
- Solid knowledge of Palestine’s cultural and social history, particularly in relation to arts and crafts.
- Skills and Competencies
- Excellent organizational, writing, and analytical skills.
- Familiarity with contemporary practices that revive and reinterpret cultural heritage.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in Arabic and English (reading and writing).
- Personal Attributes
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and deliver results effectively.
- Initiative and creativity.
- Strong communication skills with the public and institutions.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Team spirit and a positive attitude in the workplace.