Researcher & Writer (Multimedia Content)

Length of contract: 9 months with possibilities of extension

Work place: Main office is in Penang, but we are open to considering KL applicants. Travel is required.

Salary: RM5000 - RM6000 per month plus government contributions. Salary will be dependent on the relevant skills, experience, and competencies of the successful applicant.

Reports To: Project Manager and Senior Producer

Overview of Maitree:

Maitree is a digital studio with a team based in Australia and Malaysia. We work across a broad range of projects in Australia and Malaysia servicing government, corporate and nonprofit clients on purpose-driven projects. In Penang, we are progressing new digital heritage projects within the arts, culture, museum and tourism sectors. We advocate for interdisciplinary approaches by working across sectors of technology, arts, culture and heritage to produce projects that are niche and innovative. The nature of our production can range from video content to use of new technological advancements such as Virtual Reality and Augmented reality.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a meticulous and inquisitive Researcher & Writer to contribute to the development of content for digital exhibits in a museum project. This role is deeply research-heavy and requires an investigative approach to uncover and interpret historical, national, and legal narratives centered on an individual of significant national and international influence.

The ideal candidate is adept at gathering, analysing, and synthesising complex information from diverse sources—including archives, legal texts, historical records, and personal accounts—and translating these into compelling, creative storytelling. They should be comfortable working across disciplines, collaborating with designers and curators, and adapting research insights into engaging digital formats.

This role involves close collaboration with lead producers, project coordinators, clients, and stakeholders to realise thought-provoking exhibits. While no prior experience in museum curation is required, familiarity with multimedia, film, or interdisciplinary art production is an advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Research Processes:
   • Conduct in-depth historical and nation-building research related to the subject of the exhibit.
   • Identify and interpret archival materials, legal documents, and historical records to inform exhibit content.
   • Conduct professional filmed interviews (with a producer and film team) for research into different story subjects with a diverse group of interviewees.
   • Develop narrative-driven content for digital exhibits, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and engagement for diverse audiences.
   • Work closely with designers, curators, and digital teams to shape interactive and multimedia storytelling approaches.
   • Adapt research methodologies to suit different exhibit formats, including timelines, audiovisual components, interactive elements, and data visualisations.
   • Contribute to curatorial discussions, offering insights on how research informs the broader exhibition themes.
   • Ensure factual accuracy and maintain high standards of integrity in all content produced.
   • Manage research documentation, citations, and sources effectively.
2. Collaborative Content Development:
   • Transform subject matter and assets into thematic, engaging, and educational experiences.
   • Create and refine interpretive content, communication strategies, and delivery methods.
   • Stay updated on current trends in digital content development, museum exhibit technologies, and digital storytelling best practices.
3. Production Processes:
   • Develop and monitor content briefs for multimedia elements such as film, interactives, images, and illustrations.
   • Ensure the final delivery meets quality standards and project objectives.
4. Writing and Editorial Work:
   • Outline, draft, and finalize exhibition scripts and texts.
   • Define and maintain the tone of voice across all written materials.
5. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Able to collaborate with digital producers and stakeholders on ideation both remotely and in person.
   • Work closely with exhibit designers, developers, and multimedia experts to ensure content is effectively translated into the digital space.
   • Coordinate with the project management team to ensure content deadlines are met and align with overall project timelines.
   • Participate in user testing and gather feedback to refine and enhance the content based on audience responses.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong background in historical research, journalism, or related fields.
• Proven ability to interpret and analyse archival materials, and historical records.
• Experience in transforming complex research into engaging, accessible storytelling.
• Adaptability in approaching and presenting narratives across different formats (text, visual storytelling, interactive media).
• Strong collaboration skills to work with visual and digital teams in crafting compelling exhibits.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a flexible and iterative research approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in History, Journalism, Museum Studies, Cultural Studies, Digital Media, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of experience in content development, writing, or research.
• Strong background in researching historical, cultural, or artistic topics.
• Experience developing content for digital platforms (e.g., websites, apps, interactive exhibits) is a plus but will not define your application.
• Soft skills: Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and ensure quality control across deliverables.
• Technical skills: Strong research and writing capabilities with a narrative-driven focus.
• Has a detailed orientation approach to accessible yet descriptive writing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Drive (Docs, Sheets).
• Understanding of user-centered design and accessibility best practices for digital content is an advantage.

Learning and Development Focus:

• Strong interest in learning about the museum sector, including digital exhibit design, curation, and cultural heritage preservation.
• Willingness to engage with local cultural consultants and museum professionals to deepen understanding of cultural relevance in exhibits.
• Interests in collaborative approach on curating accessible and thought-provoking exhibitions for local museums.

Working Environment:

• Small company setup with a local office based in Penang.
• Willingness to travel to project sites for research and interviewing people.
• Opportunities to interact with museum curators, artists, designers, and other professionals in the field of digital exhibition design.

How to Apply:

To apply for the position, send an email to wanida@maitreehouse.com with a CV attached and a writing sample of your work. Any additional material (portfolio, website, past project, press articles) that can add to your qualifications is welcomed but the exclusion of that will not impact the credibility of your submission.