About the Company
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a leading institution dedicated to inspiring a passion for the natural world and human history through research, education, and collections. With a rich history spanning over a century, the Museum houses diverse collections, including significant cultural artifacts and ethnographic materials. Our mission is to promote understanding and stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of California and beyond. We foster a collaborative environment where curiosity and discovery thrive, engaging both the local community and a broader academic audience.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Ethnomusicologist to join our research and collections team. This role is pivotal in supporting the documentation, preservation, and interpretation of our diverse musical and sound-related cultural heritage collections. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research projects, assist with collection management, and help develop educational programs related to ethnomusicology. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with invaluable artifacts and contribute to a deeper understanding of global music traditions within a respected museum setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the research, documentation, and interpretation of ethnomusicological collections, including instruments, recordings, and field notes.
- Conduct literature reviews and contribute to academic publications, presentations, and grant proposals.
- Support the digitization and cataloging of audio-visual materials and related metadata.
- Aid in the development and delivery of public programs, exhibitions, and educational resources.
- Participate in fieldwork and archival research as needed, locally and potentially internationally.
- Collaborate with curators, educators, and other museum staff on interdisciplinary projects.
- Contribute to the care, handling, and preventive conservation of collections.
- Maintain accurate records and databases related to research and collections activities.
Required Skills
- Master's degree in Ethnomusicology, Anthropology, Musicology, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in ethnomusicological research methodologies and theory.
- Proficiency in at least one non-English language relevant to global music traditions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Experience with digital audio/visual recording and editing software.
- Familiarity with museum collection management practices and databases.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology or a related field.
- Experience working in a museum or archival setting.
- Knowledge of California Indigenous music traditions or other specific regional expertise.
- Grant writing experience.
- Proficiency with advanced qualitative research software.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions.
- Professional development opportunities and conference attendance support.
- Free admission to the museum and reciprocal privileges at other institutions.
- Employee discounts at the museum store and cafe.
- A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click the "Apply Now" button below. To ensure your application is properly considered, please prepare the following:
- An up-to-date Resume or CV
- A brief cover letter summarizing your experience and motivation
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Welcome to Westford Trust. We publish job opportunities aggregated from public sources, employers, and job portals. We never charge any fees to access or use our website; all information is provided entirely for free.
Westford Trust does not directly offer or manage these positions, nor are we directly involved in the hiring process for the vacancies published on https://job.westfordtrust.com.
If you suspect a fraudulent listing or have any questions, please contact us at techturna@gmail.com.