Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow in Modern Art

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Job Description
The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, seeks a up to two-year Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow in Modern Art. The fellowship provides hands-on curatorial training and supports scholarly research related to the Kemper Art Museum’s collection of 19th and early 20th art. Time is divided between specific projects and general curatorial work, including research on the collection and new acquisitions, rethinking the presentation of the collection, participation in aspects of special exhibition projects, and opportunities to give public lectures.
The Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow at the Kemper Art Museum should have in-depth expertise in the field of modern art, knowledge of curatorial practices, and a demonstrated interest in developing critical narratives of modernism that incorporate a multiplicity of creative perspectives.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Advance art historical research on pre-1950 modern art to develop and execute permanent collection installations.
Support the expansion of the Museum’s collection in the areas of African
American and African diasporic art, as well as more broadly underrepresented modern art.
Coordinate show on African Modernism (anticipated to open spring 2023).
Collaborate with Washington University faculty to create Teaching Gallery exhibitions.
Oversee exhibition and related project budgets; research and write grants related to exhibitions.
Assist the Director and Chief Curator with the development of broad Museum support, including fundraising, donor relations, and public relations.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in art history or a related field with expertise in 19th and early 20th century art.
Knowledge of critical histories and theories of race, class, gender and colonialism in relation to the production, reception, and interpretation of art.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Some museum experience is desired.
Proficiency in one or more foreign languages appropriate to the field of scholarship with fluency is strongly preferred.
Teaching experience.

Salary Range
Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, two letters of recommendations and one writing sample.

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Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.