A customer pays for a Fosters beer at the Occidental Hotel in central Sydney June 21, 2011
A customer pays for a Fosters beer at the Occidental Hotel in central Sydney June 21, 2011 Reuters/Tim Wimborne

Dream jobs do exist. The latest job opportunity at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. may be the dream job for people who are very fond of drinking beer.

The Smithsonian is currently looking for a beer historian who will be paid US$64,650 (AU$85,900) including benefits. According to the job posting, the professional historian will “conduct archival and field research for a new initiative on American brewing history, with special emphasis on the craft industry.”

The employment will be on a three-year contract that requires the successful applicant “to travel, work independently as well as within a team environment, to meet deadlines, and to communicate effectively with co-workers and the public.”

The job opportunity is funded by the Brewers Association in an aim to document the craft beer movement.

In an interview with the Washington City Paper, museum curator Paula Johnston said collecting information about the origin of craft beer movement is part of the Smithsonian’s effort to document food history across the US.

“We were looking at wine, coffee, cheese, artisanal bread, and farmers markets. Well, this movement with small-scale, local regional beer is part of the ethos,” Johnston added.

Deadline to apply

Beer fanatics with an advanced degree in American business, brewing, food, cultural, or similar specialisation within history are encouraged to apply.

“The successful candidate will have proven experience in scholarly research, organising and conducting oral history interviews, writing for both scholarly and general audiences, and knowledge of material culture and archival materials,” the job posting reads.

Those interested have until Aug. 10 to apply for the position. Submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and name of three reference persons to Abigail Karow at NMAHApplications@si.edu.