Research Assistant, American Paintings (Temp - 6months contract)
The Company
Being part of the Christie’s team is an enriching experience. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Departments, or in an Operations focused role, we all work together with one common goal in mind; to continue the success of this 250 year old company with constant innovation. Colleagues across all departments are passionate about their work and strive to inspire success.
Why this role matters
The primary function of this role is support the Specialist team with researching the artists and the artworks that will be sold at auctions. Tasks include, but are not limited to, artnet checks, proposal edits, auction preparation and maintaining the department library. We are looking for an enthusiastic, ambitious person who has an appetite to learn in a fast paced, arts focused environment.
How you'll make an impact
Researching works for upcoming sales – including both traditional research, using Christie’s onsite libraries, as well as public libraries in New York City, and also online research using auction databases and other internet sources
Assist with provenance research, managing the department library and consignor files.
Assist with cataloguing and condition checks for consigned property
Supporting the proposal preparation process
Assist with installing for auction previews, which includes compiling, printing, and mounting lot cards for each work
Attend “hilling” sessions, during which our specialists review works and share their knowledge
Support Analysts with client research; Artnet searches, compiling spreadsheets of competitive sales, and catalogue research for object intelligence
General department administrative tasks as assigned by line manager
Responding to inquiries from clients for condition reports, images and fact sheets
What you’ll bring to the team
We are looking for hard-working, energetic, and intellectually curious self-starters who can thrive in a high-pressure environment. Our most successful interns are those who truly embrace the experience and are not afraid to take every opportunity that is presented to them. They ask questions and are keen to learn about the entire auction process.
Strong follow-up and attention to detail
Ability to multi-task and manage several projects at a given time
Ability to meet deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Passion for the Arts
Strategic and commercially minded
Strong Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Additional language skills are desirable, however not mandatory
Superior client service skills
Candidates must be undergraduate students, master’s students, or within one year of graduation from University; either undergraduate or masters
Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.
*Posted salary range does not include discretionary overtime pay.
Closing Date: November 20th, 2025
*Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay.