Research Assistant - Provenance Studies, China (24-month Contract)

Who We Are Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future. As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values. Who We Need We are seeking a Research Assistant – Provenance Studies (China) for a two-year contract to conduct original, collections-based research that strengthens our understanding and documentation of ROM’s Chinese collections and their collecting histories. Reporting to the Chief Curator, Arts & Culture and supervised by the Manager of Provenance Studies, you will collaborate with curators and colleagues across ROM to investigate the provenance of objects whose acquisition histories warrant further research, including selected funerary contexts and human remains. You will also build on existing research and digitization of the George Crofts Collection, helping consolidate archival materials and develop a public-facing digital archive. Your work will improve the accuracy and quality of collections data, strengthen provenance documentation, and make research findings more accessible to both internal and public audiences. This role is an exciting opportunity for a researcher specializing in Chinese history and collections who is interested in advancing ethical stewardship, transparency, and public understanding of museum collections. How You Will Make An Impact Conduct original, collections-based provenance research on objects within ROM’s Chinese collections whose acquisition histories warrant further investigation Investigate and document provenance associated with selected funerary contexts and human remains with appropriate care and sensitivity Build on existing research and digitization of the George Crofts Collection, consolidating archival materials and contributing to the development of a public-facing digital archive Prepare clear, accurate provenance histories and supporting documentation for inclusion in ROM’s collections management system (TMS) Produce research reports and maintain thorough documentation to support institutional records and ongoing provenance work Translate complex and potentially sensitive research findings into accessible public-facing content, including website articles, blog posts, and other materials Collaborate with the Manager of Provenance Studies, curators, registrars, Collections Information staff, and other stakeholders to strengthen museum-wide provenance documentation practices Contribute to provenance-related policy research and the continued development and implementation of documentation standards Support provenance research and interpretive content for ROM’s China gallery, exhibitions, and related initiatives as required Contribute to ROM’s broader commitment to responsible, transparent, and ethical collections stewardship What You Bring Advanced degree in Art History, Archaeology, Museum Studies, or a related field, with specialization in Chinese history Demonstrated experience conducting provenance research, particularly relating to Chinese collections Minimum three (3) years of experience working with museum collections management systems, preferably TMS, and a strong understanding of collections documentation practices Fluency in spoken and written Chinese Strong research skills and demonstrated ability to critically assess archival, collections, bibliographic, and other historical sources Knowledge of the 1970 UNESCO Convention and other international agreements relevant to cultural property and provenance research Strong interest or experience communicating complex and/or sensitive provenance information clearly and accessibly to non-specialist audiences Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce rigorous research documentation as well as engaging public-facing content Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with curators, collections professionals, and other stakeholders A thoughtful and responsible approach to provenance research and an understanding of its role in collections stewardship, interpretation, transparency, and public accountability What We Offer Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy paid benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, and an Employee Assistance Program. Worry-free retirement savings: With our pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions. Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario. And more! SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT START DATE: September 2026 OPEN DATE: August 24, 2026 CLOSE DATE: August 31, 2026 STATUS: Full-time contract EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543 EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $62,828 - $71,803 SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON What To Expect In Our Interview Process First interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs. The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position. **All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.** WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences. Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths. Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility. Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving. Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility. If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance. Additional Information ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply. ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers. This posting is for an existing vacancy. APPLY NOW Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.

Conduct original provenance research on Chinese collections, including funerary contexts and human remains, to improve documentation and ethical stewardship. Develop a public-facing digital archive for the George Crofts Collection and translate complex research into accessible content for the public.

Requires an advanced degree in Art History, Archaeology, or Museum Studies with a specialization in Chinese history and fluency in Chinese. Candidates must have at least three years of experience with museum collections management systems, preferably TMS.

• Health Insurance • Health Spending Account • Employee Assistance Program • Defined Benefit Pension Plan • Free ROM Membership • Attractions Ontario Discounts

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Provenance Research
• Chinese History
• Museum Collections Management
• TMS (The Museum System)
• Archival Research
• Chinese Fluency
• Cultural Property Law
• UNESCO 1970 Convention
• Digital Archiving
• Technical Writing
• Public Communication
• Ethical Stewardship
• Collections Documentation
• Interpersonal Skills
• Critical Analysis
• Collaborative Research

• Science & Research
• Art & Design
• Education
• Government & Public Sector
• Creative & Media

Minimum education

Master’s degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Sep 25, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

35 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level