{"id":1136797,"url":"https://alion.io/job/royal-ontario-museum-rom-research-assistant-japan-gallery-24-month-contract-royal-ontario-museum","title":"Research Assistant, Japan Gallery (24-month contract) - Royal Ontario Museum","company":{"id":1049510,"name":"Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)","domain":"rom.on.ca","url":"https://alion.io/company/rom-on-ca","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"is_intermediary":false,"ats_vendor":"JazzHR","truth_index":null},"role":"Science & Research","role_family":"Science & Research","seniority":null,"employment_type":"contractor","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":[],"countries":[],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Microsoft Teams","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-23T08:30:58Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-23","last_verified_at":"2026-09-23T11:39:28Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":0,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":0},"description":"WHO WE ARE\nOpened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.\nAs we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.\nWHO WE NEED\nWe are seeking a Research Assistant - Japan Gallery for a two-year, full-time contract to support the development of the Prince Takamado Gallery of Japan, planned for 2028.\nReporting to the Chief Curator, Art and Culture and working closely with the Bishop White Committee Curator of Japanese Art and Culture, you will contribute to the research and development of the new gallery while supporting related publications, exhibitions, programs, acquisitions, and loans.\nYou will research artworks and artifacts within ROM’s collection, contribute to the development of new narratives and approaches to presenting Japanese art and culture, maintain collections documentation, and participate in consultation and collaboration with colleagues and communities. This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging museum professional with expertise in Japanese art and culture to contribute directly to a major gallery development project.\n HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT\nConduct collections-based research on Japanese artworks and artifacts being considered for inclusion in the new gallery\nResearch and help identify potential acquisitions and loans that support the gallery’s interpretive and collections objectives\nCollaborate in developing narratives, methodologies, and approaches for understanding and presenting Japanese art and culture in a museum setting\nContribute research and content to gallery development, publications, exhibitions, programs, and related initiatives\nMaintain accurate collections documentation and data within ROM’s collections management system (TMS)\nParticipate in cross-functional Japan Gallery development meetings and contribute research expertise throughout the project\nSupport community consultation and engagement with advisory groups as part of the gallery development process\nCollaborate with curators and colleagues across ROM to advance project priorities, milestones, and deliverables\nWHAT YOU BRING\nAcademic training in Art History, History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or a related field relevant to Japanese art and culture\nExperience working within a museum curatorial environment\nDemonstrated research and analytical skills, including the ability to conduct detailed collections-based research\nProficiency in reading and writing Japanese\nStrong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate research clearly to different audiences\nExcellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage priorities and meet project deadlines\nAbility to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a diverse, cross-functional team\nFamiliarity with museum collections databases such as TMS, digitization practices, and related software is an asset\nWHAT WE OFFER\n Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy 100 percent premium-free benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, flexible working options (varies by position), and an Employee Assistance Program.\nWorry-free retirement savings: With our optional pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.\nPerks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.\nAnd more!\n SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT\nSTART DATE: October 2026\nOPEN DATE: September 16, 2026\nCLOSE DATE: Open until filled\nSTATUS: Full-time Contract\nEMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543\nEXPECTED COMPENSATION: $62,828 - $71,803\nSCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly\nPROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months\nLOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON\nWHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS\nInitial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.\nFirst interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.\nSecond interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role. Depending on the position, you might also be given a tour of ROM and receive a preview of your responsibilities and interactions.\nThe above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**\nWHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM\nCultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.\nContinuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.\nPassion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.\nTeam & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.\nAcademic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.\nIf you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY\nAt ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.\nWe welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at  for assistance.\n ADDITIONAL INFORMATION\nROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.\nROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.\nThis posting is for an existing vacancy.\nAPPLY NOW\nOnly candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and other checks depending on the role.","description_format":"text","description_chars":8151,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":null,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":null,"security_clearance":false,"languages":[{"language":"Japanese","level":"All levels","optional":false}]},"benefits":["Continuous learning","Equity","Flexible schedule"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Financial Services","Professional Services","Exhibitions"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-23T08:30:58Z"}],"liveness":{"score":86,"band":"hot","label":"Hiring now","p_open":1,"p_active":0.86,"p_room":1,"age_days":0,"expected_fill_days":32,"reasons":["conf:3","win:early"],"computed_at":"2026-09-23T15:37:06Z"},"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/royal-ontario-museum-rom-research-assistant-japan-gallery-24-month-contract-royal-ontario-museum","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/royal-ontario-museum-rom-research-assistant-japan-gallery-24-month-contract-royal-ontario-museum.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-09-23T15:37:06Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers"}}