Christie's

Research Assistant, Post-War & Contemporary Art (Temporary)

NEW YORK, NYPosted a month ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Christie's

  • Job overview

    The Research Assistant in Post-War & Contemporary Art supports specialists and sales teams by conducting detailed research on artworks for sale, impacting sales success and client communications.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves bibliographical research, investigating exhibition histories and provenance, writing catalogue essays, sourcing archival images, preparing sales materials, and supporting department operations.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position offers an hourly wage of $22.00, excluding discretionary bonuses and overtime pay; no additional benefits are specified.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates should have comprehensive art history knowledge through education or experience, be curious, agile, socially intelligent, able to handle multiple deadlines, and possess excellent communication and teamwork skills.

  • Work environment and culture

    Christie's values respect, passionate expertise, exceptional client service, teamwork, integrity, business judgment, and innovation in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

  • Company information

    Christie's is the world's largest art business with over 250 years of history, known for innovation and strong values in the art industry.

  • Team overview

    The candidate will join the Post-War & Contemporary Art department, working closely with specialists and sales teams in a collaborative setting.

  • Application process

    Applications close on July 23, 2025; no further application details are provided.

  • Unique job features

    The role uniquely influences art sales narratives and presentations through research published in catalogues and client communications.

Company overview

Christie's is a renowned auction house specializing in fine art, luxury items, and collectibles. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, it has a long history of facilitating high-profile auctions and private sales. The company generates revenue through commissions on sales, buyer's premiums, and ancillary services such as appraisals and art financing. Christie's is known for auctioning iconic works, including pieces by Picasso and Leonardo da Vinci, and has a global presence with offices and salesrooms in major cities worldwide.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to highlight your comprehensive knowledge of art history, especially focusing on Post-War & Contemporary Art, and any experience with bibliographical research, provenance investigation, or writing scholarly essays.

  • Emphasize your ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and your skill in managing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously, as this is critical for the role at Christie's.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including Christie's official corporate careers page and LinkedIn to ensure your application gains maximum visibility for this temporary research assistant position.

  • Connect with current employees in Christie's Post-War & Contemporary Art department on LinkedIn, using ice breakers such as complimenting recent sales or exhibitions they've been involved with, or asking about the department's approach to research and client engagement.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'art history,' 'bibliographical research,' 'provenance,' 'catalogue essays,' 'client-facing materials,' and 'teamwork' to pass initial screenings effectively.

  • Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying through multiple channels, tailor your resume with relevant keywords, and identify relevant Christie's contacts on LinkedIn, saving you valuable time and increasing your chances of landing the role.

Jennie Johnson works for you!

Here’s what we do to make sure you’re successful:

  • Targeted Resume Revamp:

    We expertly craft your resume to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and showcase your qualifications, making you stand out as a top-tier candidate.

  • Job Description Dissection:

    Unpack the job posting with expert analysis, ensuring your application hits every key requirement.

  • Bespoke Cover Letter:

    Capture the attention of hiring managers with a personalized cover letter that highlights how your skills align perfectly with the job's needs.

  • Interview Mastery:

    Prepare for interviews like a pro with likely questions, strategic answers, and insightful questions for you to ask, setting you apart as an informed candidate.

  • Direct Application Insights:

    Receive tailored advice on the best places to apply, ensuring your applications are seen by the right employers.

  • Skills and Gaps Assessment:

    Identify and close critical skills gaps to position yourself as the best-fit candidate for your ideal job.

  • Personalized Email Pitch:

    Make a memorable first impression with an email template crafted to engage potential employers and initiate meaningful conversations.

  • In-depth Research Guide:

    Leverage comprehensive research tools to gather effective insights on companies, industry trends, and role-specific challenges.

  • Detailed Company Analysis:

    Gain in-depth understanding of your prospective employer, giving you the edge in applications and interviews.

  • Strategic Candidate Overview:

    Understand your unique value and why companies would want to interview you, highlighting your background and positioning.