JOB ALERT: The Smithsonian wants a beer historian/scholar

Cheers.
 By 
Kerry Flynn
 on 
JOB ALERT: The Smithsonian wants a beer historian/scholar
This photo is taken at a Beer cafe in Tokyo. There are many taps of craft beer. Credit: Getty Images

Set down the pint glass, and brush up that resume.

The Smithsonian is seeking a beer expert to chronicle the beverage's history and influence on American culture.

The work will contribute to related exhibits within the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC, including the Food History Project.


You May Also Like

It's no quick sip. The job requires a three-year commitment. Applicants who have an advanced degree in American business, brewing, food or a cultural specialization in history are "encouraged to apply," according to the job posting.

Bud Light-only drinkers need not apply. The job opportunity will specifically focus on the growing craft beer industry in America. The number of craft breweries in the United States has more than doubled over the last six years, according to the Brewers Association.

Number of craft breweries in the United States have than doubled over the last six years

"You always want to understand, 'How did we get to 4,200 small breweries here in 2016 from just a few 30 years ago?' There’s an economic aspect and a community aspect to this story," Smithsonian curator Paula Johnson told ABC News.

All applicants must have experience in scholarly research, conducting oral history interviews and writing for academic and general audiences, the job description reads.

Applications are due August 10 and must include a resume, a cover letter and names of three references. Maybe your neighborhood bartender counts?

Mashable Image
Kerry Flynn

Kerry Flynn is a business reporter for Mashable covering the tech industry. She previously reported on social media companies, mobile apps and startups for International Business Times. She has also written for The Huffington Post, Forbes and Money magazine. Kerry studied environmental science and economics at Harvard College, where she led The Harvard Crimson's metro news and design teams and played mellophone in the Band. When not listening to startup pitches, she runs half-marathons, plays with puppies and pretends to like craft beer.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
4 ways to use AI to evaluate job applicants
A graphic showing a magnifying glass looking at a resume.

CES 2026: This portable device will test meals for allergens in minutes
The Allergen Alert mini lab in front of a tray of burgers and fries.

Instagram to alert parents when teens search for suicide
Instagram logo is reflected in boy's glasses.

Ubisoft workers strike in protest of job cuts and return-to-office mandate
Ubisoft employees protest outside its Paris offices on February 10, 2026.

Lost your job to AI? See the new sci-fi thriller 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die' for free.
the cast of 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!