Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from The University of Kansas
Job overview
The Curator for Research at The University of Kansas' Spencer Museum of Art leads interdisciplinary arts research, fostering collaboration between artists, scholars, and scientists to advance innovative creative projects and research integration.
Responsibilities and impact
The Curator initiates and manages ARI programs, cultivates research partnerships, guides curatorial staff, oversees exhibitions and publications, supports grant proposals, and represents the museum in scholarly and public forums.
Compensation and benefits
The advertised salary starts at $90,000; benefits details are not specified in the description.
Experience and skills
Requires a PhD or terminal degree, 12+ years of relevant arts and museum experience, leadership skills, interdisciplinary research experience, and a record of collaborative and community engagement.
Career development
Opportunities include leadership roles within the museum, mentoring students, contributing to interdisciplinary projects, and participating in professional committees and collaborations.
Work environment and culture
The University of Kansas fosters a culture of respect, continuous learning, diversity, and inclusion, emphasizing a supportive environment where all individuals can thrive.
Company information
The University of Kansas is a research university founded in 1865, home to the Spencer Museum of Art with a collection of over 48,000 works, committed to interdisciplinary research and community engagement.
Team overview
The Curator for Research is part of the Spencer Museum leadership team, working closely with curatorial staff and the director to align projects with institutional goals.
Job location and travel
The position is based in Lawrence, Kansas, a vibrant college town near Kansas City and Topeka, with a lively cultural scene.
Application process
Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, research statement, writing sample, and references online by July 16, 2025, through the university's employment portal.
Unique job features
The role uniquely integrates curatorial practice with interdisciplinary academic research, emphasizing collaboration across arts, humanities, sciences, and public engagement.
Company overview
The University of Kansas (KU) is a major public research university located in Lawrence, Kansas. Established in 1865, KU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields such as engineering, business, law, and medicine. The university generates revenue through tuition fees, state funding, research grants, and donations. KU is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, with significant contributions to fields like aerospace engineering and pharmaceutical sciences. The university's athletic teams, known as the Jayhawks, have a rich history and are a key part of its community and culture.
How to land this job
Position your resume to emphasize your extensive interdisciplinary research experience, leadership skills, and ability to collaborate across arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences, aligning closely with the Curator for Research role at The University of Kansas.
Highlight your expertise in curatorial practice, collection development, and managing complex projects that integrate artistic and scholarly research, as these are key components of the job description.
Apply through multiple platforms, including the University of Kansas employment portal, LinkedIn, and relevant academic or museum job boards to maximize your application visibility.
Connect on LinkedIn with current staff and leadership in the Spencer Museum of Art and Arts Research Integration division; use ice breakers like commenting on recent exhibitions, interdisciplinary projects, or ARI initiatives to start meaningful conversations.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords such as 'interdisciplinary research,' 'curatorial leadership,' 'collection development,' 'collaborative projects,' and 'academic publishing' to ensure it passes initial screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application channels, and find LinkedIn contacts for networking, allowing you to focus more on preparing for interviews and research presentations.
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