Research Fellowship for the Project Missouri Remembers: Artists in Missouri through 1951.

The Spencer Art Reference Library, part of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, offers an encyclopedic collection of resources and services with over 280,000 items. The collection includes art journals and books, a wide range of online databases, rare and special collections materials, and unique digitized collections. The library is a vital regional resource connecting researchers, artists, and the broader community to art spanning millennia, from ancient to contemporary. In addition to sharing resources, the library is also responsible for the creation and development of the Missouri Remembers: Artists in Missouri through 1951, a freely available resource that shares the stories of the many artists who have called the state home and is part of the library's commitment to supporting local art and artists.

Position and Responsibilities

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is seeking a curious, rigorous, and collaborative researcher to help expand Missouri Remembers, a digital portal dedicated to the artists, institutions, schools, and exhibitions that have shaped the state's visual culture.

In this 12-month fellowship, you will conduct original research, write accessible and engaging scholarly content, organize research data and digital assets, coordinate image permissions, and work with museum colleagues and partners across Missouri. Your work will make meaningful stories and resources available to general audiences, scholars, educators, and students.

- Research Missouri artists, cultural institutions, schools, and exhibitions using archival collections, artist files, scholarly resources, and community-based sources.
- Write and revise accurate, engaging artist biographies and contextual histories for general, scholarly, and K-12 audiences.
- Apply the project's style guide and incorporate feedback through a collaborative editorial process.
- Enter and maintain research, metadata, citations, and digital assets in Airtable and related systems, ensuring records are complete, consistent, and properly sourced.
- Identify appropriate images, document permissions, and coordinate image-rights requests and records in accordance with museum procedures.
- Partner with Library & Archives staff and the technical developer to test and document improvements to portal content, usability, and functionality.
- Build productive relationships with collection stewards, artist families, scholars, advisory members, and community partners throughout Missouri.
- Share project research through presentations, articles, conferences, public programs, or educational resources, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

- Master's degree in art history, American studies, history, library and information science, digital humanities, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- At least three years of relevant research, writing, archival, digital humanities, or museum experience. Relevant graduate-level research may be considered.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct careful research, evaluate sources, and translate complex information into clear, engaging writing.
- Strong organizational, attention-to-detail, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Commitment to accountability, service, integrity, inclusion, and respect.

Fellowship Period & Funding

One-year fellowship, starting in early May 2027. The fellow will receive an annual salary of $55,000, benefits, and research and professional development funds.

How to Apply

The application packet should include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter addressing how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this Research Fellowship
- Published writing sample
- Transcripts for a PhD or master's degree and an explanation of experience equivalent to a PhD
- Three references, including their names, titles, and email addresses

Applications can be submitted at:
https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/46E5A03E

For additional information about the position, please visit:
https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/46E5A03E

Deadline: December 18, 2026, by 11:59pm CST
Questions: Please contact people&culturenelson-atkins.org