Predoctoral Fellow – Lise Meitner Group “Decay, Loss, and Conservation in Art History”
Institution: Bibliotheca Hertziana – Max Planck Institute for Art History, Rome, Italy
Deadline: January 15, 2026, 12:00 CEST
Fellowship Period: Spring 2026, up to 12 months
Location: Rome, Italy
The Lise Meitner Group “Decay, Loss, and Conservation in Art History” led by Francesca Borgo is seeking a predoctoral fellow to conduct research on European and colonial art histories from the 15th to the 18th century. Fellows will investigate processes of loss (decay, destruction, damage, disappearance, waste, impermanence) and their opposites (reuse, remaking, care, maintenance, conservation) within the framework of the upcoming annual research initiative “Lacunae” (2025/26).
Employment Details
- Fixed-term fellowship contract according to German Civil Service Collective Agreement (65% TVöD Bund E 13) or equivalent
- Residential fellowship in Rome
- Stipend and benefits include a dedicated desk, full library access, and a research budget
- Full engagement in group activities, seminars, workshops, and field trips
Eligibility Criteria
- Enrolled PhD student at any university worldwide, in the finishing stages of their dissertation
- Strong background in art history, technical art history, conservation history, or museum studies
- Ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and contribute original research
- Proficiency in English; conversant in Italian and/or German
Fellowship Highlights
- Conduct independent research aligned with the group’s objectives
- Participate in and organize seminars, workshops, visits, and field trips
- Contribute to the group’s publications and receive editorial/image licensing support
- Residential presence in Rome required for the fellowship period
