Lin-Chen Family Summer Internship - Chinese Dress & Textiles (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 Lin-Chen Family Summer Intern – Chinese Dress & Textiles, you will support the Department of Art & Culture in advancing the documentation, research, and digital access of ROM’s Chinese dress, accessories, and textile collections. Working closely with the Sr. Curator of Global Fashion & Textiles and Collections Specialists, you will contribute to inventory and collections documentation initiatives supporting a planned scholarly publication and online collections work. 

This summer internship offers hands-on experience working with museum collections, including object handling support, photography coordination, database updates, and research activities. You will gain practical exposure to curatorial and collections workflows while contributing to priority projects within one of North America’s most significant Chinese textile collections. 

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Assist with photographing Chinese dress, textiles, and related collection objects in support of inventory and documentation initiatives. 
• Support curatorial research related to the history, provenance, and context of objects within the Chinese dress and textiles collection. 
• Assist with editing and organizing digital images and associated metadata to support collections management and access. 
• Contribute to updating and preparing collection database records in The Museum System (TMS) for internal use and future publication to ROM’s online collections. 
• Provide project support for collections documentation and publication preparation activities. 
• Collaborate with curatorial and collections staff on additional tasks and priority projects as required. 

WHAT YOU BRING

• Master’s degree completed or in progress in Art History, Textile History, Conservation, Collections Management, or a related field. 
• Knowledge of Chinese dress, textiles, or material culture, supported by academic coursework or research focus. 
• Experience handling museum objects or working with collections in an academic or museum setting, with an understanding of collections care standards. 
• Familiarity with collections databases (such as TMS) and digital documentation practices is an asset. 
• Ability to conduct independent research with strong attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to read and write Chinese is strongly preferred. 
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: as early as June 1, 2026 
• END DATE: as late as August 30, 2026 
• OPEN DATE: March 6, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: April 3, 2026
• STATUS: Part-time Contract 
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union 
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $22/hour (MA) | $24/hour (PhD) 
• SCHEDULE: Up to 24hours 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 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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