The Museum of the City of New York is recruiting Ph.D. candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and early-career academics interested in gaining experience in public history to provide tours as Museum Scholars to visiting groups including college/university students, foreign tourists, seniors, professional organizations, and alumni associations.

The Museum is pleased to offer a roster of interactive and personalized guided tours. Tour offerings include “Highlight” tours, as well as in-depth visits to the Museum’s temporary and ongoing exhibitions. Tours typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and are available during regular museum hours 10 am–6 pm seven days a week, with peak tour times in the afternoons. Evening tours are offered by special request. Training sessions will take place around ongoing and temporary exhibitions to prepare Museum Scholars for guiding groups.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• Ph.D. candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and early-career academics
• Fluency in foreign language required, Mandarin preferred
• Availability on one of the following days at a minimum: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Fridays
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Interest in understanding and relating history through artifacts and images
• Ability to synthesize and communicate new information from the Museum’s rotating schedule of exhibitions
• Though an understanding of New York City is essential, candidates from a range of academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Expectations for Scholars:

• Available to attend scheduled training sessions around ongoing and temporary exhibitions or, if unable, to review materials on their own
• Available to lead tours at least one day a week from 10am-6pm with a focus on afternoon hours and one weekend per month plus availability on one alternate day
• Expect to spend up to two hours at the Museum per scheduled tour

Scholar Compensation:

• Hours are not guaranteed and are based on booking requests
• A flat rate of $75 per tour, and a separate hourly training rate

Contact:

• Please send a cover letter and resume to Museum of the City of New York, Attention: Human Resources Department, 1220 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, or send an email with this information to jobs@mcny.org.
• To be considered, please include Museum Scholar within the subject line of your email. The Museum of the City of New York is an equal opportunity employer.