Assistant or Associate Curator, History

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) seeks a Curator (Assistant or Associate level) to lead its research on the history of Southern California oversee its collections and provide content for a variety of public programs. The successful candidate will activate the vast historical holdings of NHMLAC through collection-based research and be a leader in the care growth and use of museum collections with demonstrated interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaborations.

The NHMLACs History collection is one of the institutions founding collections highlighting the influence of California on the rest of the nation. NHMLACoriginally established as the Los Angeles County Museum of History Science and Artwas the primary museum in Los Angeles for several decades and objects from a variety of industries developing in Los Angeles (Motion Pictures Aviation etc.) found their way into the collections. It includes a material culture collection of approximately half a million three-dimensional objects (from paintings to arms to motor vehicles to textiles) and the Seaver Center for Western History Researcha large collection of photographs archival materials and other two-dimensional documents. The collection is weak in materials representing post-WWII years and the cultural diversity of Los Angeles an area expected to grow under the leadership of the new Curator.

The position requires a PhD in a related historical field. The successful candidate will have a record of outstanding research focusing on the history of California preferably with attention to LA County experience with the care and management of historical collections excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to engage with the public and stakeholders. They will be expected to (1) build an active and publicly appealing research program that includes overseeing the management and continued growth of the collection (2) actively pursue external funding (3) contribute to local community engagement through the co-creation of programs and (4) oversee all aspects of NHMLACs History program including staff. The Curator is expected to foster working relationships with local universities and community partners; mentor interns students and postdoctoral fellows; strengthen the NHMLACs presence in key professional and governmental networks; and participate in a broad range of museum activities including exhibits educator and volunteer training public communications media interactions and fundraising activities. The Curator must have the vision and capability to build a research program that can be integrated with the NHMLACs ongoing efforts to understand environmental change in Southern California and shape the collections in ways that activate their public appeal.

This is a full-time position with a salary and title commensurate with experience. NHMLAC is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engage with and include culturally diverse audiences in the Museum. The NHMLAC values and endeavors to support diversity equity inclusion and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) neurodivergent a woman a person with a disability a veteran and/or part of the LGBTQAI community are welcome and encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is January 31st 2025. The proposed starting date is July 1st 2025 but flexibility is possible. Applicants should send the following information as a single PDF to Ciel Ramn-Caas at (include History Curator Search in the subject line): 1) cover letter 2) 13 page vision statement of proposed research and collection development 3) 13 page statement of interest and experience in public engagement/outreach 4) 13 page statement of commitment to increasing diversity equity and inclusion 5) a curriculum vitae and 6) the full contact information of at least three references.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please no phone calls.