Research Associate (M/F/X) with a background in colonial history

The History Department is currently seeking a:

Research Associate (M/F/X) with a background in colonial history

36 hours per week, for 2 years

Pioneering role

The Rijksmuseum is aware of the questions surrounding the legitimacy and fairness of managing objects that entered the collection as colonial acquisitions. In addressing these questions, it is essential to understand the provenance history of these objects. That is why we are creating this pioneering position. A defining feature of colonial provenance research is the long time period (dating back to the 17th century) and the vast scope and diversity of the relevant geographic area surrounding the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Consequently, the work requires international teamwork and must be carried out across multiple disciplines. This position involves work that takes place both within and outside the museum, in collaboration with specialists in the countries concerned.

Work

The History Department consists of curators with various specializations, covering a range of historical periods and regions. The department also includes several research staff members, including researchers specializing in provenance issues related to World War II. With this new position, we are adding another specialization: a provenance researcher focused on our colonial past.

In this new role, you will work alongside colleagues from various collection departments (covering both historical objects and art). You will be responsible for verifying and interpreting provenance data. In addition, you will be responsible for gathering, documenting, and submitting research findings for use in the collection database, among other purposes.

For this role, we are looking for a connector—someone with strong communication and interpersonal skills. You will build international partnerships and know how to engage people and inspire them to take action. You will develop the connection between national and world history.

Key responsibilities and duties:

• Conduct independent provenance research based on objects and documentation (internal museum sources, auction, exhibition, and collection catalogs, databases, archives, and publications associated with dealers and collectors).
• Conducting historical research, either independently or in collaboration with others: interpreting the circumstances under which the transfer of objects took place.
• Collaborating with fellow researchers from various disciplines at the national and international levels (Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Suriname, the Caribbean Netherlands) to exchange and gather knowledge and expertise.
• Identify, collect, analyze, and validate information.
• Compile and carefully document the results of joint research.

What do you bring to the table?

We’re curious to learn more about you and the skills you’ll bring to our team. We’re looking for someone with an interest in postcolonial issues and experience in conducting genealogical research. You’re an analytical thinker who can clearly communicate the essence of your research at various levels. You also have:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as (colonial) history, art history, or cultural studies.
• Knowledge of and interest in the restitution debate and involuntary loss of property.
• Work experience in a relevant museum or academic setting.
• Demonstrable experience in conducting archival, historical, and case-based research.
• Strong social and communication skills, with a focus on international collaboration.
• Knowledge and experience working with Adlib (or another museum database) is a plus.

What do you get in return?

• A gross monthly salary ranging from €3,368 to €4,406 per month based on a 36-hour workweek (scale 10 of the museum collective bargaining agreement). A 32-hour workweek is negotiable.
• 8% vacation pay and 3.4% year-end bonus.
• We’ll start with a two-year contract, after which there’s a possibility of an extension.
• The flexibility to alternate between working from home and working in the office, as agreed, including a budget to set up your home office.
• Full reimbursement of public transportation costs for trips of 5 km or more (up to a maximum of €345). The costs you incur when you park your bike in a secure bike rack at the station are also fully reimbursed.
• After your probationary period, you will receive a Museum Year Card that grants you unlimited access to 450 museums in the Netherlands. You are always welcome at the Rijksmuseum (during opening hours) with one guest.
• Participation in various events and sports activities, such as the Rijkshockey and the Rijksrun.

Interested?

Don’t wait—apply now before February 16 via the application form on our website. The application process is as follows:

1. Once we receive your resume and cover letter, we’ll get to work for you.
2. If we think you’re a good fit, we’d love to schedule an initial interview on Tuesday, February 21. We’d love to hear about yourself, your experience, and what appeals to you about this position.
3. If this interview goes well, we’ll invite you to a second interview on Monday, February 27.
4. Are we both on board? If so, we’ll send you an offer.

Do you have any questions? Valika Smeulders (Head of History) will be happy to answer them via V.Smeulders@rijksmuseum.nl. For questions about the application process, please contact Jikke Valé (Recruiting Assistant) at j.vale@rijksmuseum.nl.

Recruitment efforts related to this vacancy are not appreciated.