Organizer Information
The Metropolitan Museum of Art—widely known as The Met—is one of the most influential and comprehensive art museums in the world. Founded in 1870 and based in New York City, the institution presents over 5,000 years of art history spanning diverse cultures, civilizations, and artistic disciplines. Operating across its two iconic sites—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters—the museum serves millions of visitors annually, both physically and through its extensive digital platforms.
The Met is not only a repository of world heritage but also a center for advanced research, curatorial innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its Department of Egyptian Art is internationally recognized for its depth and scholarly importance, housing one of the most significant collections of ancient Egyptian works outside Egypt. The institution is deeply committed to inclusivity, intellectual rigor, and public engagement, fostering a professional environment grounded in collaboration, diversity, and excellence.
Title & Description
Assistant Curator, Egyptian Art – The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art invites applications for the position of Assistant Curator, Egyptian Art, a high-level professional opportunity for specialists in Egyptology and curatorial practice. This role centers on advancing the research, interpretation, and public presentation of ancient Egyptian artworks within one of the world’s foremost museum collections.
The selected candidate will contribute original scholarly research, develop exhibitions, and engage in the communication of complex historical material to broad audiences. Working alongside senior curators, conservators, and scientists, the Assistant Curator will play a key role in shaping both academic discourse and public understanding of Egyptian art and culture.
The position also emphasizes digital innovation, requiring the candidate to collaborate with digital teams and oversee the department’s online presence, including collection databases and publications. While the area of specialization is open, preference is given to expertise in Egypt’s first millennium, funerary objects, and inscriptional practices.
This role offers a unique platform to influence both scholarly research and museum engagement strategies at an international level.
The Role Overview
- Position Title: Assistant Curator, Egyptian Art
- Institution: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Contract Type: Full-time, permanent (subject to institutional terms)
- Salary: $85,000 – $90,000 annually
- Reporting To: Curator-in-Charge and Senior Curatorial Staff
- Department: Egyptian Art
- Programme Context: Research, exhibitions, publications, digital curation
- Work Environment: On-site, collaborative institutional setting
Position & Tasks
- Conducting original research on ancient Egyptian artworks within the museum’s collection
- Studying, documenting, and interpreting objects for both academic and public audiences
- Developing and supporting exhibitions in collaboration with senior curators
- Publishing research in scholarly journals and contributing to professional forums
- Managing and overseeing specific sections of the Egyptian art collection and galleries
- Collaborating with conservation scientists and interdisciplinary museum teams
- Enhancing digital access to the collection through database management and online publications
- Writing interpretive materials, including catalog essays, labels, and digital content
- Participating in provenance research and acquisition strategies
- Contributing to fundraising initiatives, grant writing, and donor relations
- Mentoring interns and fellows within the department
Categories
- Visual Art
- Curatorial
- Research
- Art History
- Museum Studies
- Digital Media
- Cultural Heritage
Eligibility
- Ph.D. in Egyptology or an equivalent academic field
- Proven record of original research and scholarly publication
- Experience working with museum collections or archives
- Advanced knowledge of ancient Egyptian languages and scripts
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Proficiency in digital tools, museum databases (TMS preferred), and standard software
Preferred qualifications include:
- Specialization in Egypt’s first millennium
- Knowledge of Arabic (desirable but not mandatory)
- Experience in digital humanities or museum technologies
Candidates must also be able to reside within commuting distance of New York (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania).
Program Benefits
- Competitive annual salary ($85,000 – $90,000)
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, life)
- Retirement plans with employer matching
- Generous paid leave and museum holidays
- Professional development funding (courses, seminars, training)
- Access to cultural institutions through museum partnerships
- Staff discounts and subsidized dining facilities
- Financial planning services and commuter benefits
Additionally, the role offers:
- Opportunities to publish and present internationally
- Collaboration with leading experts in the field
- Hands-on experience with a globally significant collection
- Participation in innovative digital and curatorial projects
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Academic writing samples or publication portfolio (if applicable)
- Proof of academic qualifications
Additional materials may be requested during the selection process.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 May 2026
- Start Date: Not specified
- Posting Date: Approximately April 2026
Location
New York City, United States
Additional Details
This position combines rigorous academic research with active museum practice. The Assistant Curator will contribute to both internal institutional goals and the broader international field of Egyptology. A significant component of the role involves digital engagement, making it particularly suitable for candidates interested in the intersection of heritage studies and technology.
The Met is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and accommodations are available throughout the hiring process.
This opportunity is ideal for mid-career scholars seeking to expand their curatorial expertise within one of the most prestigious art institutions globally.