Job Purpose
Supports the development, research, interpretation, and delivery of exhibitions and collections, contributing anthropological, cultural, and museological expertise to ensure exhibitions are intellectually rigorous, culturally sensitive, and publicly engaging. The role bridges academic research, object interpretation, and audience engagement, with a particular focus on Middle Eastern and Emirati cultural narratives.
Key Responsibilities
Curatorial & Research Support
- Conduct in-depth research on collections, objects, and themes to support permanent and temporary exhibitions.
- Contribute to the interpretation and narrative development of exhibitions, ensuring accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity.
- Support object handling, documentation, and cataloguing in line with museum best practices.
- Assist curators in developing exhibition texts, labels, catalogues, and supporting interpretive materials.
Exhibition & Public Engagement
- Support the planning and delivery of exhibitions, including research, content development, and coordination with internal teams.
- Contribute to education programmes, gallery-based teaching, talks, and public-facing initiatives.
- Assist with audience engagement strategies that connect diverse audiences with heritage and collections.
- Participate in gallery interpretation, tours, and educational workshops as required.
Academic & Cultural Expertise
- Apply anthropological and ethnographic research methods to curatorial practice, including visual, material, and museum ethnography.
- Contribute informed perspectives on Middle Eastern and Emirati culture, art, and heritage.
- Engage with contemporary museum discourse, including decolonisation, repatriation, representation, and inclusivity.
- Support research-led initiatives and collaborative projects with academic or cultural partners.
Stakeholder & Project Support
- Liaise with internal teams, external consultants, academics, and cultural partners to support projects and research initiatives.
- Assist in managing timelines, deliverables, and documentation for exhibitions and research projects.
- Provide administrative and coordination support related to exhibitions, events, and academic collaborations.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
- Experience with object handling and museum collections
- Ability to translate academic research into accessible public narratives
- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
- Strong organisational and project coordination abilities
- Confidence engaging with diverse audiences in public and educational settings
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Postgraduate qualification in Anthropology, Museum Studies, Cultural Studies, or a related field
- Training or experience in visual, material, and museum ethnography
- Experience supporting curatorial, research, or educational activities within museums or cultural institutions
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic
Desirable
- Doctoral-level research or ongoing PhD in Social Anthropology or related discipline
- Experience working with Middle Eastern or Emirati collections
- Teaching, public speaking, or panel participation experience
- Experience collaborating with academic or cultural institutions in the UAE or internationally
Personal Attributes
- Culturally aware and intellectually curious
- Collaborative and adaptable
- Empathetic and audience-focused
- Professional, discreet, and reliable
- Passionate about heritage, museums, and cultural storytelling
