Assistant Research Curator

Assistant Research Curator

Help uncover and share the stories that shape NSW. As an Assistant Research Curator, you’ll explore and research our collections and places,  uncover and share new stories, and identify opportunities for exhibitions and public programs that inspire curiosity and connect people with the history, collections and archives of Museums of History NSW.

 What the opportunity is:

• Employment with Museums of History NSW.
• Assistant Curator Grade 2. Remuneration package includes salary ($92,632 - $102,936), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Temporary full-time employment for a period up to 2 years.
• The role will work across Sydney.
  

What we do

Museums of History NSW brings together a portfolio of iconic museums, rich collections and heritage sites, the nation’s oldest archive collection, vital recordkeeping services and expert staff.

We bring history to life by sharing the stories of our places and collections. Through the State Archives Collection, we manage NSW’s official documentary heritage, supporting government transparency and the public’s right to access information.

These two roles do not just sit side by side – they inform and enrich each other. By preserving and making accessible our places, collections and archives, we create opportunities for people to explore the past and better understand their own place in the world. By supporting lifelong learning and inviting people to come together, we promote civic literacy, empathy, wellbeing and belonging.

We believe that history belongs to everyone. This is the promise and the purpose of MHNSW.

Museums of History NSW is a state cultural institution, established under the Museums of History NSW Act 2022. It is an agency of the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).

What you'll do with us: 

This role provides curatorial research services that contribute to the interpretation, documentation, promotion and development of collections to create informative, compelling and engaging research-based curatorial content that meets the objectives of Museums of History NSW’s strategic and business goals.

For more information on the role, please contact Dr Aaron M. de Souza, Manager, Research via aaron.de.souza@mhnsw.au or 02 8239 2396.

Click here for the role description, including the capabilities required for this role.

What you need to do to apply

To apply you will need to submit the following:

• A one to two page cover letter outlining how your skills and experiences meet the essential requirements for this role.
• A current resume listing two referees, and
• Respond to the 2 targeted questions (no more than 300 words per answer). Your responses to the targeted questions should be submitted online during your application and not included in the covering letter.

What you need to tell us - Targeted questions: 

1. Tell us about an object-based research project that you’ve worked on that resulted in a public-facing outcome. Outline the data and methodology you used, the public outcome, and how you translated your research into an engaging outcome for your audience.
2. Describe a situation in which you initiated or were part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research project. Outline the project, the different disciplines involved, and how you contributed to the collaborative outcomes.

Essential requirements of the role:

• Tertiary qualifications in history/museums studies/heritage interpretation or related field and experience working in a cultural, museums or heritage environment.
• Experience in researching, writing, developing and evaluating innovative and engaging research-based interpretation projects in a cultural, museum or heritage environment.
• Familiarity with current research methodologies and approaches, and evidence of their application to public-facing outcomes.
• Experience working with a wide range of software applications used to maintain and update information eg, Microsoft Suite, records databases and collections management systems.
• Willingness to work across MHNSW sites and ability to travel to multiple locations.

Also note:

• For additional resources to help prepare your application and understanding of the process, please refer to Applying for a job.
• Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks. If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact MHNSWrecruitment@mhnsw.au.
• For technical support with your application, please contact MHNSWrecruitment@mhnsw.au.
• To be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
• All successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check with NSW Police.
• A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
  

Submit your application before the closing date: 10am Friday 11 September 2026.

Diversity and Flexible Working

We are expert keepers and tellers of history, and its many stories, peoples, and cultures.  We want to create a team and workplace that reflects this diversity as well as the diversity in the communities we serve. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better, more inclusive results and connects our people to our communities, to our history, and to each other.

Our vision is to support and empower First Nations people, communities and culture, and across the sites that we care for, we are committed to shifting perspectives, truth telling and delivering honest reflections on history.

We understand that flexibility means different things to different people and are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where and when possible.

If you are a First Nations applicant who would like to have a yarn about the role, or require additional support, please contact Dennis Taylor our Manager First Nations Employment & Engagement on 02 8239 2284 or via dennis.taylor@mhnsw.au.

Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks.

If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact Liz Akerboom on 02 8239 2355 or via MHNSWRecruitment@mhnsw.au.

For more information, please visit:

Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.