Researcher, Lucasfilm Archives

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. www.lucasmuseum.org.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, with facilities in Nicasio, CA, seeks an experienced multi-faceted Researcher to work with the Lucasfilm Archives(LFA) to research and catalogue the collection of works on paper, costumes, models and large-scale props. The Researcher will conduct in-depth collection research and cataloguing of materials including production reference materials, concept art, ephemera, and original film objects from storyboards to props, models and costumes. This role will focus on detailed, object-focused review, provenance history, screen matching, and facilitating object history for collection assessments, time-bound research projects, exhibition planning and cataloging. This position is part of a team that is responsible for subject matter, content development and collection assessment of Lucas Museum’s largest collection – the Lucasfilm Archives and will work collaboratively across departments to assist with the content information required for the collections processing workflow. This position is a full-time, 6-month term position with potential for renewal. 

Reporting to the Head of Lucasfilm Archives and Research and part of the Curatorial division, the ideal candidate for this role has content expertise in film props, costumes, storyboards, and cinema vocabulary. The Researcher will take a critical role in reviewing and cataloguing the Lucasfilm Archives diverse collections so that they will be accessible to a wide range of users, including scholarly researchers, museum staff, and future access as determined. They will play a key role in coordination with Curatorial and Museum Services to establish overall collection assessment, make recommendations for processing and preserving the collection as well as its special archives materials in advance of the museum’s opening and for the long term. In the short-term, they will contribute to the research of object’s film history, establish priorities and processes for cataloguing and entering metadata, and play a significant role in shaping the collection. 

• Research film provenance for LFA collection objects including identifying and matching to on-screen scenes, identifying artists and makers, and materials used
• Through research, identify disparate collection parts to create related relationships throughout the collection and create more complete object records
• With Head of Lucasfilm Archives and Research, identify and make recommendations for categorization of LFA collection items
• Contribute to overall planning for LFA collection review and workflows
• Contribute to developing benchmarks and guidelines for assessment and evaluation of the LFA collection in strong collaboration with the Museum Services division that aligns with accredited institutional policies 
• Apply existing data standards and research findings to update and build out more robust and accurate object records within the museum's collections management database
• Contribute to and updates object files with historical exhibition and constituent records in support of future exhibitions and other collections programming activities. 
• Work with the Registration and Collections Information and Data Asset Management Team to update TMS object records based on research findings. 
• Build out object records with the addition of exhibition history, artist identification, bibliography citations, and other contextual information. 
• Collaborate with other Museum Services staff including Collections Management, Registration, Conservation, Collections Information and Digital Assets, Curatorial, and other museum departments to accomplish multiple simultaneous goals and projects to museum standards and in alignment with best practices for maintaining accurate collection information

• Analyzing - Analyzes object history and data, tertiary data and all other sources of information; breaks information into component parts, patterns and relationships; probes for further information or greater understanding of history and provenance; makes rational judgements from the available information and analysis; produces workable solutions to a range of problems; demonstrates an understanding of how one issue may be a part of a much larger system 
• Planning & Organizing - Sets clearly defined objectives; Plans activities and projects well in advance and takes account of possible changing circumstances; Manages time effectively; Identifies and organizes resources needed to accomplish tasks; Monitors performance against deadlines and milestones; ability to work effectively and timely on a wide variety of projects concurrently, with concern for the tasks assigned and the goals of the larger projects 
• Attention to Detail - Accomplishes tasks thoroughly with concern for all areas involved, no matter how small; verifies the accuracy of information before moving forward on a project or task 
• Adapting & Responding to change - Adapts to changing circumstances; accepts new ideas and change initiatives; adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations; shows respect and sensitivity towards differences; deals with ambiguity, making positive use of the opportunities it presents 
• Achieving Personal Work Goals & Objectives - Accepts and tackles demanding goals with enthusiasm; identifies development strategies needed to achieve career goals and makes use of developmental or training opportunities 
• Applying Expertise & Technology -  Applies detailed research expertise; uses technology to achieve work objectives; advanced research skills to gather information about objects and materials; knowledgeable about Star Wars and Lucasfilm Ltd. film content, associated artists, and film history; has expertise in proper handling, care, registration methods, and electronic collections records

• Education and Experience 

• Minimum of five (5) years professional experience cataloguing a wide range of museum/special collections/archives 
• Knowledgeable in Star Wars and Lucasfilm Ltd. content, associated artists, and film history preferred 
• Experience with the research of specialized archives and film object collections 
• Demonstrated track record of managing a high volume of projects simultaneously
• Experience in museum object handling and archival materials preferred 

• Knowledge 

• Understanding of research use of object, film object and special collections
• Broad knowledge of art, art making, film, and/or digital media required 
• Proficiency in various technologies for use in cataloging, digitization, and archiving, including experience with museum database systems, digital asset management systems (such as TMS)  
• Proficiency in museum cataloging standards and linked data 

• Abilities 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 
• Ability to work independently, be proactive, and collaborate as a team member to accomplish department and museum goals 
• Must be capable of undertaking multiple projects simultaneously and balancing long- and short-term priorities, with equal attention to big-picture goals and small logistical details 
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a broad spectrum of museum staff, including registrars, collection technicians, artist, scholars, museum staff, and outside researchers  
• Proven ability to establish and maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with colleagues, vendors, and organizational partners 
• Track record of maintaining accurate records, managing tasks, and planning and organizing work to meet developing priorities 

• Physical Requirements 

• Ability to carry out physical maneuvers that will include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, kneeling, climbing, stooping, crouching, and reaching 
• Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds 
• Ability to work in dusty environments

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

MISSION AND VISION

We are a museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through visual storytelling the Lucas Museum expands the role of art and museums for society. The Museum inspires thought provoking ideas and conversations that are relevant within and beyond geographic boundaries. Our work radiates to catalyze more connected and empathetic spaces. The art of storytelling connects us to shape a more just society.

VALUES

Our internal and external practice is shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

PEOPLE FIRST

We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what people find meaningful, to works of art and the work of our organization.

INSPIRED

We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

COLLABORATIVE

We believe that nimble thinking and working together yields exponential results.

BRAVE

We approach our work and learning with courage, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

4 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

ART

Amplify the social impact of Narrative Art through an approach that bridges the academic and the popular.

COMMUNITY

Connect to a broad and diverse public by create an institution rooted in impactful, respectful, sustainable relationships.

INCLUSION

Practice diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in all operational and programmatic aspects of our work.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Create a healthy and durable institution equipped to fulfill its vision and public mandate.

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).

Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.