Chemical Heritage Foundation Museum

Curator of Artifacts

The Chemical Heritage Foundation seeks a full-time permanent Curator of Artifacts to be an energetic and collaborative member of its museum staff.  Reporting directly to the museum director, the Curator of Artifacts is responsible for overseeing the research, care, management, usage and continued growth of CHF’s collections of artifacts, which includes scientific instrumentation, glassware, apparatus, and material culture artifacts.   CHF’s artifact collections range from the tools of chemists to popular culture artifacts that show the full range, impact and interaction of science and society.  This position also has an essential role in exhibition development as a curator of innovative and diverse exhibitions that will engage existing and new audiences.  The successful candidate will be a critical member of the curatorial and museum teams at CHF.

Working with the museum director, the Curator of Artifacts will develop and implement an acquisitions plan to proactively grow CHF’s collections of artifacts and scientific instrumentation.  This will include researching potential donations, developing relationships with potential donors, and prioritizing potential donations based on available budget and space.  The Curator of Artifacts will also actively engage in scholarship by participating in conferences and publishing on topics relevant to CHF’s collections and exhibitions.

In addition to curatorial responsibilities, the Curator of Artifacts will function as CHF’s collections manager, overseeing the cataloging and photography of CHF’s artifact collections, managing off-site collections, and coordinating the logistics of new acquisitions.

In addition to collections management and documentation, the Curator of Artifacts should be an active cross-departmental collaborator and open to exploring ways to use technology and other methods to encourage interest in the collections at CHF.  An active participant in the museum and history of science communities is strongly preferred. 

Job Requirements include:

-          M.A. in history, museum studies, or related field.  Ph.D. in the history of science or technology is highly preferred.

-          Research interests in the history of science or technology is required.

-          Three to five years experience working in a museum or collections-based institution.

-          Experience developing exhibits from concept through to completion.

-          Demonstrated knowledge of museum principles, concepts, techniques and procedures.

-          Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

-          Demonstrated experience managing projects and the ability to manage and work on multiple projects concurrently.

-          Ability to lift a forty pound box to shoulder height and physically move artifacts and prepare them for shipping.

-          Valid driver’s license required.

-          Willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

Located in the heart of Old City Philadelphia, the Chemical Heritage Foundation is dedicated to documenting and telling the history of chemistry through a museum, research library, special collections and center for scholarship. The museum, which opened in 2008, includes an active temporary exhibition program and continues to grow its audience and programming.

To apply please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (preferably exhibit text/labels) to:  [log in to unmask] .  No phone calls please.

Position is open until filled.

CHF offers competitive retirement and health benefits. Compensation is based on qualifications.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. CHF is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.

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