The Weltmuseum Wien, one of the three federal museums within the KHM-Museumsverband houses one of the most important collections of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of societies and cultures from all over the world. It is one of the central tasks of the museum to engage with current debates in a globalized world and to deal critically with Europe’s colonial legacy. With its research and the transcultural communication and presentation of collection and exhibition content, the museum is aimed at a diverse audience.
The collections of material culture and art from South and South-East Asia and the Himalayan countries comprise around 40,000 artefacts and cultural belongings. The aim of our curatorial practice is to conduct responsible research, enhance the transparency and accessibility of the collections, and to ensure their responsible study, in particular through the consistent promotion of respectful dialogue with the relevant communities and scholars both in the countries of origin and locally. The collections are also to be presented within a contemporary context. It is important to convey diverse perspectives in both analogue and digital formats.

The KHM-MUSEUMSVERBAND, is looking for a
Curator of the Collections of
South and South-East Asia
and the Himalayas
at the Weltmuseum Wien
(full-time)

Job Description:
• Curatorial management and digitisation of the collections from South and South-East Asia and the Himalayas
• Conception of interdisciplinary exhibitions and collaboration on the planned redesign of the permanent exhibition
• Scholarly processing of collection holdings and collaboration on provenance research taking into account religious, cultural and social contexts
• Development of collaborative research projects with national and international institutions in particular on issues relating to transcultural interconnections
• Planning and collaboration on analogue and digital audience engagement and event formats in cooperation with the museum’s Education and Outreach Department
• Expansion of the existing network with relevant institutions, researchers, experts and artists, as well as enhanced collaboration with international, national and local diaspora communities
• Development of a contemporary collection strategy that incorporates interfaith and transcultural perspectives and raises the profile of regions with significant religious diversity
 

Job requirements:
• Completed university degree in a relevant subject (art or cultural history, social or cultural anthropology)
• Proven expertise in material culture and art across several regions of South and South-East Asia, as well as the Himalayas
• Several years of experience in the museum and exhibition sector, including experimental and participatory formats, as well as in the sensitive handling of spiritual and religious content in a public context
• Knowledge of contemporary art from the Global South
• Experience in working with museum databases and object documentation
• International networking in the professional community
• Good command of German and English; knowledge of relevant regional languages would be an advantage
• Experience in the acquisition of grants
• Personality with a strong talent for building networks and maintaining long-term relationships
• Strong communication and organizational skills as well as a structured way of working

We offer:
• An exciting position at the heart of a world cultural heritage site
• Working with a wide range of cultural assets in a respectful and ambitious team
• Location: Vienna
• Contract details: 40 hours per week, flexible working hours; the position is initially limited to 3 years, with the option for a permanent contract thereafter
• Salary according to the KHM collective agreement: Pay scheme A, pay group 1a/pay level 1 =
€ 3,768.51 gross (14 times per year), the final classification depends on the crediting of previous work history according to the collective agreement of the KHM-Museumsverband

If you are interested in this varied role, we look forward to receiving your detailed application by 31 May 2026 via our online portal. Please note that we are unable to reimburse travel expenses or compensate for time lost.
The KHM-Museumsverband actively promotes gender equality and diversity within the institution. We therefore welcome applications from people of all nationalities, religions and beliefs, sexual orientations and gender identities, all age groups, and people with disabilities.

The museums of the KHM-Museumsverband, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Weltmuseum Wien, and the Theatermuseum, are among the most renowned museums in Europe. The growing number of visitors from both local and tourist markets, the high level of financial self-sufficiency, and the satisfaction of all visitor groups are rooted in the tireless efforts and outstanding achievements of the staff of the KHM-Museumsverband. For more information about the KHM-Museumsverband as an employer, visit our career page.