Friends of Global South Asia Summer Internship (3-month contract)

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 Friends of Global South Asia Intern, you will support the Department of Art & Culture on research and collections initiatives related to South Asian material culture and exhibition development. Working under the guidance of the Dan Mishra Curator of Global South Asia and the Senior Curator of Textiles and Fashion, you will contribute to projects that advance knowledge of South Asian collections and support the development of an upcoming exhibition and publication on the Indian Ocean. 

This summer internship offers hands-on experience in collections research, inventory work, and exhibition support. You will assist with research on a collection of numismatic materials, including stamps as cultural artifacts, while contributing to research and administrative tasks that support exhibition development. The role provides valuable exposure to curatorial and collections workflows within a collaborative museum environment. 

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Assist with inventorying, organizing, and researching a collection of stamps and numismatic materials related to South Asian history and material culture. 
• Support research initiatives examining stamps as cultural artifacts and their historical context. 
• Assist with research and administrative tasks supporting the development of an upcoming exhibition on the Indian Ocean. 
• Contribute to updating collection records, digital photography, and database work within The Museum System (TMS). 
• Participate in meetings and collaborate with staff across the museum to support collections and exhibition initiatives. 
• Collaborate with curatorial and collections staff on additional projects and priority tasks as required. 

WHAT YOU BRING

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Art History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or a related field. 
• Knowledge of South Asian and/or Indian Ocean histories supported by academic coursework or research experience. 
• Proficiency in one or more South Asian languages is required. 
• Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Experience working with museum databases, particularly The Museum System (TMS), is an asset. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. 

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: as early as May 19, 2026 
• END DATE: as late as August 14, 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: Up to 35 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.

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.

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