The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is recruiting for a Project Assistant to join the team.
The Lemelson Center (http://invention.si.edu) engages, educates, and empowers the public to participate in technological, economic, and social change. We undertake historical research, develop educational initiatives, create exhibitions, and host public programming to advance new perspectives on invention and innovation and to foster interactions between the public and inventors.
The Project Assistant will provide research, exhibition, and programmatic support for the Center’s Sporting Invention exhibition project, scheduled to open in late 2021 or early 2022.
MAJOR DUTIES include:
- Conducting research about the history of sport, sports science, engineering, technology, and relevant historic and contemporary inventors and innovators;
- Conducting research of graphics, archives, and object collections, and procuring rights for exhibition and other uses;
- Assisting with exhibition development, including grant writing; and
- Providing administrative, historical research, and programmatic support as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree; degrees in history, public history, American studies, museum studies, or relevant field are preferred. Applicants must demonstrate experience in historical research and writing and have strong communication and organizational skills. The best qualified applicants will also have experience working in museums or other history organizations; experience with multi-tasking in a team environment; and the ability to be detail-oriented, self-directed, and proactive.
SALARY INFORMATION
IS-7, Step 1: $45,972 annually, including an excellent benefits package. This is a one (1) year temporary trust (non-federal) position. The position may be extended, funds permitting.
To apply, please send an email to Monica Smith at SmithMo@si.edu, with the subject “Project Assistant Application” and include the following materials combined in one master PDF with applicable links:
- Cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three (3) professional and/or academic references (no reference letters);
- Two (2) writing samples—e.g. undergraduate and/or graduate papers, website, magazine, or journal articles, blog posts—that best reflect your relevant writing abilities (maximum of 10 pages each; excerpts from longer written materials are acceptable); and
- Two (2) examples of other projects—e.g. exhibitions, websites, videos, podcasts, finding aids, other research activities—that best reflect your relevant professional and/or academic experience.
Applications will be accepted until Midnight (eastern) Monday, January 22, 2018.
The Smithsonian is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
