Organizer Information
The opportunity is hosted by the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen (Bavarian State Painting Collections), one of the most significant museum institutions in Europe. Based in Munich, the organization oversees a major art historical collection of more than 30,000 artworks spanning from the Late Middle Ages to contemporary art. Its holdings are distributed across several major museum sites in Bavaria, including the Pinakotheken and affiliated galleries.
The institution is responsible not only for curating and exhibiting artworks but also for managing the scholarly, technical, and administrative infrastructure that supports collection stewardship. This includes conservation, research, documentation, digital archiving, and public accessibility of cultural heritage data. A central component of its work is the integration of art historical research with modern information systems, ensuring that one of Europe’s most important collections is accessible to both academic and public audiences through evolving digital infrastructures.
Within this structure, the Doerner Institute plays a key scientific role in research and material analysis of artworks, while the Central Collection and Knowledge Management department functions as the operational backbone for data governance, archival systems, and digital transformation.
Title & Description
Research Assistant / Head of Central Collection and Knowledge Management (Digital Manager) (m/f/d)
This is a senior cultural heritage and digital leadership position focused on overseeing the institution’s central data, documentation, and knowledge management systems. The role combines museum administration, digital humanities, and strategic IT governance within a major public museum system.
The position is designed for a highly qualified professional who will lead the institution’s digital transformation strategy, manage collection data infrastructures, and ensure the long-term sustainability, accessibility, and interoperability of cultural heritage information. The role is both managerial and strategic, shaping how the institution documents, preserves, and disseminates its collection data across physical and digital platforms.
A core dimension of the position is the development of advanced digital systems for object documentation, image archives, and research databases, including integration with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital archiving systems, and metadata standards aligned with international museum practices.
The Role Overview
- Position: Head of Central Collection and Knowledge Management / Digital Manager
- Institution: Bavarian State Painting Collections
- Contract Type: Full-time, permanent public sector employment
- Salary: Pay Group TV-L E13 (German public service collective agreement for federal states)
- Working Hours: Approximately 40.1 hours per week
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Reporting Structure: Senior institutional leadership within Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen
- Programme Context: Museum collection management, digital transformation, research infrastructure, archival systems
Position & Tasks
The selected candidate will be responsible for leading a department of approximately 15 staff members across three operational units. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the Central Collection and Knowledge Management Department
- Steering institution-wide digital transformation strategy
- Developing and implementing digital infrastructures for the collection and research of data
- Establishing standards and guidelines for object database documentation and metadata management
- Managing editorial governance for collection data quality and documentation standards
- Designing and implementing multimedia object databases and digital document repositories
- Coordinating digital projects across all phases (planning, funding acquisition, budgeting, execution, evaluation)
- Integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence into museum data systems
- Overseeing image rights management and copyright clearance in coordination with legal departments
- Managing cross-institutional digital workflows and knowledge-sharing systems
- Ensuring interoperability with national and international research data infrastructures
Categories
- Museum Studies & Cultural Heritage Management
- Digital Humanities
- Information Science / Data Management
- Archival Studies
- Art History
- Cultural Informatics
- Digital Archiving & Documentation
- Research Infrastructure Development
Eligibility
- University degree (Master’s, Diploma, or equivalent) in humanities, cultural studies, museology, art history, or related fields
- Strong experience in digital humanities, information systems, or data management
- Proven experience in museum or cultural heritage institutions (preferably in leadership roles)
- Deep knowledge of museum database systems (e.g., MuseumPlus, Axiell, BeeCollect, Robotron Daphne or similar)
- Experience with DAM systems and digital asset management
- Familiarity with data standards, metadata frameworks, and research data infrastructures
- Knowledge of AI, XR, UX design, and digital innovation in cultural contexts
- Strong project management and budgeting experience
- Understanding of public sector administrative and procurement procedures
- Knowledge of copyright, licensing, open access, and data protection frameworks
- High-level communication and leadership skills
- Fluent German and English (C1 level required)
- Open to national and international applicants meeting legal employment eligibility in Germany
Program Benefits
- Permanent public sector employment under TV-L E13 classification
- Stable salary structure within the German public administration
- Leadership role in a major European cultural institution
- Access to high-level research, museum, and digital humanities networks
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Flexible working arrangements and partial remote work options
- Strong work-life balance policies
- Public sector benefits including pension scheme and additional financial allowances
- Potential access to state-supported housing options (where available)
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Cover letter outlining motivation and relevant expertise
- Detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic certificates and degree documentation
- Evidence of professional experience in relevant fields
- Documentation of digital projects, systems, or research work (if applicable)
- Proof of language proficiency (German and English, C1 level)
- Any additional supporting materials demonstrating leadership and project management experience
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 07 June 2026
- Start Date: As soon as possible after selection
- Interview Period: Not specified (typically follows shortlisting phase)
- Selection Process: Expected to include interviews and possibly a competency-based evaluation
Location
Munich, Germany
Additional Details
This role is positioned at the intersection of museum leadership, digital infrastructure, and cultural data governance. It requires not only technical expertise but also strategic vision for the future of museum documentation and digital accessibility.
A key focus is aligning institutional practices with evolving global standards in digital heritage management, including interoperability, open access frameworks, and sustainable digital preservation strategies. The role is particularly relevant for professionals engaged in the transformation of museums into data-driven, research-oriented cultural institutions.
The position also requires strong ethical awareness regarding data protection, intellectual property, and cultural heritage stewardship in a digital environment.