Doris Dohrenwend Summer Internship - Chinese Art & Culture (3-month contract)

Toronto, ON, Canada
Full Time
COLLECTIONS & RESEARCH
Entry Level
WHO WE ARE
Opened 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.

As 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.

WHO WE NEED

As the Doris Dohrenwend Intern – Chinese Art & Culture, you will support the Department of Art & Culture on collections-based projects focused on Chinese art and material culture. Working under the supervision of the Curator of Chinese Art & Culture and in collaboration with collections staff, you will contribute to research, documentation, and collections care initiatives that advance knowledge of the Chinese collections. 

This summer internship offers hands-on experience working with museum collections, including cataloguing, archival organization, object handling, and collections documentation. You will support projects related to ancestor portrait paintings, woodblock prints, export ware, and other collection areas while gaining practical exposure to museum workflows and participating in object workshops. 


HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
  • Assist with inputting Chinese object information and uploading images in The Museum System (TMS) while ensuring accurate updates to eMuseum records. 
  • Support curatorial cataloguing and research related to Chinese collections and acquisitions. 
  • Assist with photographing, measuring, and rehousing Chinese objects in accordance with collections care standards. 
  • Provide support for archival organization and research related to the George Crofts collection and Mackay collection projects. 
  • Assist with preparations for the Chinese Object Workshop and support object handling during workshop activities. 
  • Collaborate with curatorial and collections staff on additional projects and priority tasks as required.

WHAT YOU BRING
  • Currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s or PhD) in Art History, East Asian Studies, Museum Studies, History, or a related field, or a recent graduate of a Master’s program. 
  • Knowledge of Chinese art, history, or material culture supported by academic coursework or research experience. 
  • Proficiency in reading and writing Chinese is required. 
  • Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, and familiarity with Adobe software is an asset. 
  • Experience working with museum collections or databases, particularly The Museum System (TMS), is an asset. 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. 

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • START DATE: as early as June 1, 2026 
  • END DATE: as late as August 31, 2026 
  • OPEN DATE: March 6, 2026
  • CLOSE DATE: April 3, 2026 
  • STATUS: Full-time Contract 
  • EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union 
  • EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $20/hour (BA) | $22/hour (MA) | $24/hour (PhD) 
  • SCHEDULE: Four (4) days per week, up to approximately 28 hours weekly 
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: The internship period will serve as the evaluation period for this role. 
  • LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS
  1. Initial 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. 

  2. First interview: A 30-minute virtual panel-style interview with the hiring team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs. 

The 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.**

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM
  • Cultural 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.
  • Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
  • Passion & 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.
  • Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
  • Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.
If 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
At 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.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
  • ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
  • This posting is for an existing vacancy.
APPLY NOW

You must include a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest, and an updated CV.

Only 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.

#LI-Onsite
Share

Apply for this position

Required*
We've received your resume. Click here to update it.
Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Human Check*