Senior Researcher, Science

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

To provide expertise, catalogue, research and help co-ordinate sales within the Science & Natural History department. Working closely with the Vice Chairman, Global Head, the Senior Researcher will focus in particular on those items that require a high degree of care and great attention to detail, including but not limited to archives, manuscripts, scientific and technological instruments, and dinosaur fact sheets. The Senior Researcher will be responsible with the rest of the team for the regular sales per annum and any other sales as required and thus enable the department to reach its financial targets

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

• Research and write scholarly and commercial catalogue entries for various Science & Natural History property and Private Sale works

• Assist in preparing materials for selling works, for example condition reports, selling points, enhanced lot pages etc

• Assist other members of the Department in writing and preparing proposals for sale

• Research and source comparable images and assist copyright permission

• Conduct extensive research for works consigned to sale, using Sotheby’s library and external resources

• Conduct detailed provenance research and due diligence on items being considered for sale

• Other tasks as assigned by the Vice Chairman, Global Head

Cataloguing

• Cataloguing and researching items for sales relating to the Science & Natural History department:

• Provide expertise, research and catalogue objects to the highest standard and according to scheduled deadlines

• Provide guidance and mentorship to the department cataloguer

• Assist with and co-ordinate research, both internally, and with external experts

• Assisting the cataloguer in managing the property in the department

• Involvement in all aspects of catalogue production including:

• Ensuring, along with cataloguer that all photography for catalogues is completed in a timely manner, and that the correct images are taken according to department standards

• Writing condition reports and responding to estimate enquiries and general correspondence.

• Working alongside senior colleagues in the promotion and selling of sales.

• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance.

• Assisting the department with exhibition set-up and design

• Assisting department and marketing team with preparation of marketing and promotional materials for auctions, private sales, and other sales outlets

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• BA in History, History of Science, Biology, or related field in the sciences, with MA or beyond preferred. An ideal candidate would have a firm grounding in both the sciences and in history and writing

• Knowledge of and experience in handling objects such as archives, manuscripts, scientific & technological instrument, rare books, fossils, or other physical artifacts

• Exceptional attention to detail, the ability to recognize which details are important, and how those details come together to form a larger picture

• The ability to understand complex materials, and explain them in a way that is palatable to both expert and non-expert audiences

• Excellent writing skills, both in terms of style and mechanics

• The ability to work effectively within a team of specialists, some who travel frequently, and others who are located outside of NY, as well as the ability to work effectively individually

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service.

• Self-motivated with enthusiasm to learn.

• Have a flexible approach and the ability to work well under pressure. Extended working hours will be necessary at deadlines.

• Good organisational skills with proven ability of meeting deadlines.

• A keen interest in how the commercial art world functions.

• High level of computer literacy required

• Familiarity/comfort with programs such as InDesign a bonus

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $70,000-$80,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.

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