Curatorial Research Fellow

The Art of Europe department seeks a curatorial research fellow to contribute to the study and management of paintings in the collection and in support of the organization of projects and exhibitions. Under the supervision of the William and Ann Elfers Senior Curator of Paintings, and working with the Art of Europe curatorial staff, s/he will aid with the research, administration, evaluation, and implementation related to the paintings collection dating before 1800.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with the preparation of exhibitions and gallery installations; select objects, undertake research for labels and installation; write articles and portions of exhibition catalogues; undertake research on collections as well as on art objects belonging to private collectors. Work with Public Relations, Facilities, Exhibition and Design departments on the installations of objects, as requested; may participate in projects organized by the Education staff; lectures, etc.

• Perform duties related to physical care, and documentation of collection. Obtain and put away art objects for exhibitions and/or visitors. Receive new objects, identify and label for registration, catalog and place in storage.

• Assist curatorial staff with exhibitions and research as requested. Make proposals regarding objects that require conservation. Work closely with Photography staff proposing objects that need new photography. Work closely with Collections Management staff on issues related to housing and documentation of collection. Work with Development on grant writing for exhibitions and collection projects.

• As requested and approved, lecture on the collection, travel, attend conferences, seminars; visit other Museums, maintain professional affiliations in appropriate organizations.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in art history (Ph.D. preferred) or extensive equivalent related experience, demonstrating scholarly ability in the field of art history through publications, conference papers, and other activities.

• In-depth experience in art history of European old master paintings, preferably with experience that has advanced scholarship and connected visitors in engaging ways.

• Confident reading knowledge of Dutch and German.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Superior ability to develop, present, and defend ideas and projects that earn the respect of others and builds credibility for the work of the Department and institution.

• Committed to collaboration with others to achieve the best outcome, the successful candidate is an excellent and timely decision maker able to move plans and objectives forward.

• Strong sense of accountability for achieving stated objectives and demonstrable experience doing so.

• Evident experience working successfully with senior leaders of an organization to achieve collective objectives, including visitor experience, marketing, education and digital initiatives.

• An international perspective but experienced in becoming personally and professionally committed to an institution’s city, people and artistic community.

Personal Qualities and Attributes:

• Intellectually rigorous

• Inspirational, passionate, curious

• Resilient with a healthy approach to work/life balance

• Generosity of spirit, a team player able to interact successfully with a wide range of people at different levels of Museum

• Superior judgment, tact and diplomacy, with organizational skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication, with demonstrated presentation skills

• Proven ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines

Application materials are being accepted immediately; job will remain posted until filled. For consideration, please submit your letter of interest, CV, and references to: resumes@mfa.org. You may also submit your materials via postal mail to: Human Resources Department, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.

The MFA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from diverse candidates.