Organizer Information
The opportunity is offered by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, which operates the Powerhouse Museum network in Australia.
The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) is one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions dedicated to the intersection of arts, science, design, and technology. It manages a major national collection of over half a million objects and plays a central role in public engagement with innovation, research, and cultural heritage.
Through its Powerhouse initiative, the institution is undergoing a major transformation program, including the development of Powerhouse Parramatta, upgrades to Powerhouse Ultimo, expanded facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill, and continued operation of the Sydney Observatory. This positions MAAS as a forward-looking museum system focused on future technologies, community engagement, and interdisciplinary curatorial practice.
Title & Description
Senior Collection Curator – Science and Technology (Temporary Role, Powerhouse)
Senior Collection Curator is a high-level curatorial position focused on the strategic development of science and technology collections within the Powerhouse Museum network.
The role is embedded in a large-scale institutional transformation program aimed at rethinking how museum collections are curated, interpreted, and activated for contemporary audiences. The curator will work across collection development, research, public engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, contributing to the long-term vision of the Powerhouse collection.
A key focus of the position is to strengthen connections between industry, academia, communities, and the museum’s extensive collection. The role supports the evolution of curatorial practice within a future-oriented museum environment that integrates science, technology, design, and cultural heritage.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Senior Collection Curator (Science and Technology)
- Employment Type: Temporary full-time contract (up to 4 years)
- Salary: $166,420 total package (including base salary of $146,831 + superannuation + annual leave loading)
- Reporting To: Head of Collection Curatorial
- Department: Curatorial – Science and Technology
- Institution: Powerhouse / MAAS (Sydney, Australia)
- Contract Location: Sydney Region
This role forms part of a broader curatorial leadership structure and contributes to institutional strategy across multiple museum sites.
Position & Tasks
The Senior Collection Curator is responsible for leading and coordinating curatorial activity in the science and technology domain. Core responsibilities include:
- Managing a team of curatorial staff within the science and technology collections
- Leading strategic development of the Powerhouse Collection
- Overseeing collection-based research initiatives
- Facilitating collaboration with industry, community groups, and academic partners
- Developing and implementing future-focused collection strategies
- Ensuring cross-divisional engagement across museum departments
- Supporting public access to collections through exhibitions, programs, and research initiatives
- Contributing to institutional transformation projects across multiple Powerhouse sites
- Aligning curatorial practice with long-term institutional goals and public engagement strategies
The role emphasizes leadership in curatorial innovation, particularly in relation to contemporary science and technology discourse.
Categories
- Curatorial
- Art Management
- Research
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Science & Technology (Museum Practice)
- Exhibition
- Public Presentation
Eligibility
Applicants must meet professional criteria suitable for a senior curatorial leadership role:
- Experience in museum or cultural institution curatorial work
- Expertise in science, technology, or related collection areas
- Proven leadership and team management experience
- Ability to work in large-scale institutional environments
- Strong research and curatorial strategy skills
- Open to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTI+ communities, people with disabilities, caregivers, culturally diverse applicants, and veterans
- Professional eligibility to work in Australia (assumed for contract employment context)
Program Benefits
- Competitive salary package: $166,420 total remuneration
- Full-time temporary contract (up to 4 years)
- Opportunity to work within one of Australia’s largest museum transformation projects
- Leadership role within a nationally significant cultural institution
- Access to major collections of international importance
- Participation in large-scale infrastructure and curatorial innovation programs
- Professional exposure to cross-disciplinary collaboration across science, design, and arts sectors
- Potential inclusion in the internal talent pool for future roles
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
Additional expectations:
- Applications must be submitted via the official recruitment platform (iWorkforNSW system)
- Candidates may be considered for a talent pool for similar roles over the next 18 months
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 24 May 2026
- Contract Duration: up to 4 years (temporary full-time)
- Talent Pool Validity: up to 18 months for future roles
Location
Sydney, Australia
Additional Details
- This position is part of a major institutional renewal program valued at approximately $1.3 billion
- The role supports long-term transformation of museum infrastructure and curatorial strategy
- The institution actively encourages diversity and inclusive hiring practices
- The position may be used to build a talent pool for future similar curatorial appointments
- Strong emphasis is placed on cross-sector collaboration between museums, industry, and communities