Curator, History

Commensurate on experience, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) seeks an Assistant Curator, Associate Curator, OR Curator to lead its research on the history of Southern California, oversee its collections, and provide content for a variety of public programs. The successful candidate will activate the vast historical holdings of NHMLAC through collection-based research and be a leader in the care, growth, and use of museum collections with demonstrated interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaborations. 

The NHMLAC’s History collection is one of the institution’s founding collections, highlighting the influence of California on the rest of the nation. NHMLAC–originally established as the Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science, and Art–was the primary museum in Los Angeles for several decades, and objects from a variety of industries developing in Los Angeles (Motion Pictures, Aviation, etc.) found their way into the collections. It includes a material culture collection of approximately half a million three-dimensional objects (from paintings to arms to motor vehicles to textiles) and the Seaver Center for Western History Research—a large collection of photographs, archival materials, and other two-dimensional documents. The collection is weak in materials representing post-WWII years and the cultural diversity of Los Angeles, an area expected to grow under the leadership of the new Curator.

The position requires a PhD in a related historical field. The successful candidate will have a record of outstanding research focusing on the history of California, preferably with attention to LA County, experience with the care and management of historical collections, excellent communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to engage with the public and stakeholders. They will be expected to (1) build an active and publicly appealing research program, (2) supervise the management and continued growth of the collection, (3) actively pursue external funding, (4) contribute to local community engagement through the co-creation of programs, and (5) oversee all aspects of NHMLAC’s History program, including staff. The Curator is expected to foster working relationships with local universities and community partners; mentor interns, students, and postdoctoral fellows; strengthen the NHMLAC’s presence in key professional and governmental networks; and participate in a broad range of museum activities, including exhibits, educator and volunteer training, public communications, media interactions, and fundraising activities. The Curator must have the vision and capability to build a research program that can be integrated with the NHMLAC’s ongoing efforts to understand environmental change in Southern California and shape the collections in ways that activate their public appeal.

NHMLAC includes the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and the La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history used for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, and community engagement. NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting our work with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

Starting pay will be based on the professional level offered to the candidate and will be within the below ranges:

Assistant Curator: $81,030.28  - $84,515.45

Associate Curator: $101,628.13 - $105,999.23 

Curator: $118,574.55 - $123,674. 53 

Please be advised that the position level offered will be determined after the candidate completes the recruitment process, which may include but is not limited to: phone screen, interviews, and reference checks.

The application deadline is October 1st, 2025. The proposed starting date is July 1st, 2026, but flexibility is possible. Applicants should send the following information as a single PDF to Ciel Ramón-Cañas at cramoncanas @ nhm.org (include “History Curator Search” in the subject line): 1) cover letter, 2) 1–3 page vision statement of proposed research and collection development, 3) 1–3 page statement of interest and experience in public engagement/outreach, 4) 1–3 page statement of commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion, 5) a curriculum vitae, and 6) the full contact information of at least three references.