Curatorial Assistant

OUR MISSION

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance and is one of four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Museum operates two sites, the Getty Villa in Malibu, which exhibits its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which displays its collections of European art: Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings to 1900, and photography to the present day (including non-European works). The Museum mounts numerous temporary exhibitions a year across its two sites; maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program and offers wide-ranging and ambitious programming for its visitors

THE OPPORTUNITY

The department of Antiquities of the J. Paul Getty Museum located at the Getty Villa seeks a full-time 3-year limited term Curatorial Assistant to assist with and contribute to all aspects of the preparation and implementation of a major international loan exhibition addressing the Levant and the Classical World, scheduled to open in 2029. Reporting to the Anissa and Paul John Balson II Senior Curator of Antiquities, the ideal candidate will have an MA or PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Classics, Classical Archaeology, or a related field and be a highly organized, efficient multi-tasker.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for Getty, without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

• Assist with exhibition preparation, installation and deinstallation.
• Work collaboratively with curators, conservators, mount-makers, designers, editors, registrars, public programmers, lenders, catalogue contributors, and others both within and outside the museum.
• Coordinate with the Head of Exhibitions to manage curatorial task workflows, track project timelines, and ensure effective communication across teams to support the successful planning and execution of the exhibition.
• Prepare and track loan requests; maintain communication with lenders.
• Prepare, line-edit, and proofread catalogue copy and bibliographies; work with outside authors.
• Prepare, line-edit, and proofread in-gallery didactic materials, digital interactives, and on-line resources.
• Create and update photologs; prepare and track image requests and permissions.
• Assist with creation of exhibition website and PowerPoint presentations.
• Assist with Public Programming.
• Lead exhibition tours.

• Bachelor’s degree in art or art history required; Master’s preferred
• 0-2 years art historical or museum experience
• Competent to work in basic curatorial functions
• Reading fluency in at least one foreign language (modern or ancient) required

• Prefer MA or PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Classics, Classical Archaeology, or a related field
• Highly organized, efficient, able to work independently, multitask, and meet fixed deadlines
• Excellent organizational, writing, editing, and communication skills; attention to detail
• Ability to read one or more of the following languages: French, German, Italian or Arabic

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.