Collections Assistant for Stewardship & Campus Loans, MIT Museum (Cambridge, MA)

Posted February 6, 2026

Position Overview:

The MIT Museum seeks a Collections Assistant to support campus loan initiatives and collections stewardship activities. This position will assist with the relocation, documentation, and general care of the museum’s artifacts. Responsibilities include preparing loan renewals, rehousing objects, and conducting condition assessments.

This is a temporary, full-time position (35 hours per week) for a five-month term. The Collections Assistant will be expected to work during normal operating hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work will be performed under the direction of the Registrar and Collections Manager.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Registrar, provides support with the renewal, location control, and condition assessment of campus loans
• Communicates with individuals across various MIT departments, labs, and centers regarding the renewal and extension of existing object loans
• Generates and executes loan renewal documentation
• Performs physical inspection of loaned objects on campus to confirm locations and complete condition evaluations
• Maintains and updates loan, location, and condition records in the museum’s collections information management system for all objects on loan
• Under the direction of the Collections Manager and following accepted museum standards, assists the collections team with object handling and preparation in support of research, programs, and exhibitions.
• Re-house, pack, box, crate, secure, and unpack artifacts using approved methods and materials
• Provides for the safe transport of objects and other collections materials to and from storage, workstations, and between various museum and campus locations
• Uses the museum’s collections information management system and other technologies to track and record object locations, conduct inventories, document condition and conservation activities, and fulfill other collections management functions
• Assist with light cleaning of objects
• Provide ongoing support in general maintenance and organization of work areas, tools and machinery, as well as regularly reviewing environmental monitoring and Integrated Pest Management monitoring devices
• Assists with exhibitions maintenance as required, such as packing/unpacking, generating condition reports, and installing objects
• Performs other collections related duties as required

Supervision Received:

This position reports to both the Registrar and Collections Manager. Direction may also be given by other curatorial staff as necessary.

Supervision Exercised:

No direct reports.

Experience/Skills Required:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a museum, gallery or arts organization handling artifacts/artwork of varying materiality and fragility
• Excellent interpersonal skills and keen sense of diplomacy as well as the ability to work well and communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals both within the museum and across MIT
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-directed
• Experience with relational collections management databases, spreadsheets, and word-processing software
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team, manage multiple projects at one time, and prioritize tasks
• Knowledge of museum standards and best practices in the care, safe handling, packing, and crating of 2-D and 3-D artifacts
• Experience with shop equipment, power and manual woodworking tools, scissor lift, pallet jack, and other specialized warehouse equipment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to move collections objects using ladders, carts, lifts, and other tools
• Ability to safely handle collections objects varying in size, materiality, and fragility
• Ability to travel between multiple sites, on-and-off campus, on foot or with public transportation

Educational Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Experience Includes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Library Science, or related field
• Experience conducting condition evaluations and/or creating condition reports in a museum or gallery setting
• Familiarity with the MimsyXG collections information management system and database
• Proficiency in constructing custom packing solutions for 3D objects, such as boxes, crates, supports and cavity packs

Work Environment:

Dual work environments: 1) Typical office or administrative workspaces; 2) Large warehouse space. HVAC is provided in both spaces.

Salary:

Collections Assistant will be employed through MITemps at a rate of $24.28 – $32.90 per hour.

To apply please submit:

1. Cover letter that describes your qualifications. Please include descriptions of your experience working in a museum, gallery or arts organization; handling artifacts; and experience with relational collections management databases (if any).
2. Resume
3. List of 3 references with contact information
   
   Email full application to: [email protected]
   
   Please no telephone calls or recruiters. Incomplete applications will not be considered.