Description
At the intersection of public access and higher education, the Harvard ArtMuseumsinvite everyone to embrace inquiry, dialogue, and new perspectives on art and ideas.The museums’ global collections encompassa broad range of time periods andgeographies.
The Fellowship program at the Harvard Art Museums is designed to broaden the experience of those embarking on professional museum careers in art history and related fields, conservation and conservation science, and/or museum education.Fellowsareintegral membersof themuseums’staff,take part in departmental and museum-wide meetings,andcollaboratewith colleaguesacross themuseums.Fellows are active members ofthe programcohort,participatingin regularFellowsmeetings, workshops, specialized training, and organized activities throughout the year, including presenting their work at an annual FellowsSymposium.
The Robinson Curatorial Fellow, working closely with and reporting to the Richard L. Menschel Curator of Photography, will assist in all aspects of research, interpretation, scholarship, display, and exhibition planning related to the museums’ collection of over 85,000 photographs and time-based media works.
The Fellow will also play a key role in supporting collection strategy and acquisitions. In this capacity, the Fellow will also work closely with the Conservator of Photographs and members of the Division of Modern and Contemporary Art.
A major focus of the Fellowship will be assisting in the development of a scholarly exhibition on the history, aesthetics, and ethics of flash illumination in photography. This project will require extensive historical research into photographic practices and flash technologies from the medium’s inception to the present, examining their evolution and diverse applications. The Fellow will play a key role in the development of an exhibition checklist, related acquisitions, publication, and scholarly and public programming.
Fellows mayassistin researching and preparing interpretive materials for permanentcollectioninstallations, special exhibitions, and museum publications. Tasks may include drafting and producing correspondence, wall labels, and related materials.
The Fellow’s time is divided between their assigned projects and work that supportsa broad range of curatorial activities, which may involve correspondence related to loan requests and collection inquiries, provenance research, cataloging the permanent collection in the museums’database, assisting with new acquisitions,donor cultivation, and administrative tasks.
Foregrounding the museums’teaching and research mission, the Fellow alsoparticipatesin interdisciplinary teaching andcontributesto a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.
The Fellow may supervise students and temporaryemployees.
Theabove covers the most significant responsibilities of the position.It does not, however,excludeother duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the position.
PLEASE NOTE: This position works on site at both the museum in Cambridge, MA, andperiodically ata second facility in Somerville, MA.
Requirements
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualificationsin order tobe considered for this role:
MA in Art History or related field
Additional Qualifications:
PhD preferred, with emphasis on the history of photography and related scholarly discourse
Background in early photography, with an interest in 20th century and contemporary global practices
Proficiency in a foreign language helpful
Museumor related experiencepreferred; interest in expandingcanonicalnarratives strongly encouraged
Commitment to fosteringengagement with originalworks of art in auniversitymuseum context, for all visitors
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team
We believe in the potential of candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. If you meet theBasicQualifications for this role and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply—even if youdon'tmeet every singleAdditionalQualification. Whetheryou'restarting your career, re-entering the workforce, transitioning fields, or seeking the next step, we welcome your unique perspective. Please use your cover letter to share your passion for art museums and how you envision contributing to this role.
Application Procedures
Please apply online with acoverletter and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, startingJanuary 26,2026,and continuing until the position is filled.
Upon review of applications,selectcandidates will be notified tosubmittwo letters of recommendation.Supporting documents may include writing samplesand other materials.
Additional Information:
The term of this fellowship isSeptember8,2026– August31,2028. In addition to $60,000 annualized compensation,theFellow hasan allocatedtravel budget andis eligible toparticipatein Harvard’s fringe benefits program.
