Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Research/Collections Specialist Fellowships

The Metropolitan Museum of Art announces two new positions funded by The
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Curatorial Research/Collections
Specialist Fellows will provide scholarly support for the curatorial
program through focused art historical research and cataloguing of the
Museum's permanent collection.

The Curatorial Research Fellows will work with a curatorial mentor to
learn best practices in cataloguing, with the goal of presenting full
catalogue information for the records of their host department. This
will involve research on issues of authentication, dating, provenance,
exhibition history, and bibliography. The fellow will also transfer all
paper-based records for the selected group to the Museum's collections
database for integration on the website. Fellows will be encouraged to
contribute to the creation of digital tools for communicating their
collections research. They will also work with conservators, scientists,
educators, digital media staff, and other professionals during their
tenure.

Curatorial Research Fellows will be expected to take part in the
Museum's broader, renowned fellowship program, which includes a variety
of events such as an annual colloquium, meetings and events with
numerous other Museum departments and staff, exhibition and collection
tours, and gatherings of all Museum-sponsored fellows throughout the
year.

Each Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Research/Collections Specialist Fellow
is a temporary full-time exempt employee of The Metropolitan Museum of
Art. The position is for one year renewable for a second year. The
position starts in September 2014. Annual salary is $50,000 plus fringe
benefits and a $6,000 research travel allowance.


Department Areas and Projects
Applicants whose work falls in one of the following subject areas may
apply:

Arms and Armor
To research and catalogue a group of approximately 1,400 objects from
India and South East Asia, including armor, shields, edge weapons, bows,
firearms, and equestrian equipment. Applicants must have a demonstrated
understanding of the history, cultures, and arts of India and South East
Asia.

Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas
To research and catalogue a group of approximately 300 African textiles,
primarily from West and Central Africa. Applicants should have a
specialization in textile history and familiarity with Africa's diverse
textile traditions.

Islamic Art
To research and catalogue a group of approximately 3,000 pieces of
metalwork, including jewelry and material excavated at Nishapur.
Applicants should have a degree in Islamic art history and a
demonstrated interest in metalwork. Proficiency in Arabic and Persian
epigraphy is desirable.

Medieval Art and the Cloisters
To research and catalogue the extensive holdings of late medieval
sculpture (1100-1520). Applicants should have a background in
late-medieval European art.

Photographs
To research and catalogue a group of more than 9,000 photographs from
the Gilman Paper Company Collection of photographs, including early
French, British, and American photography as well as masterpieces from
the turn-of-the-century and modernist periods. Applicants must have a
demonstrated specialization in some aspect of the first hundred years of
photography and excellent handling skills.


Eligibility
The position is for individuals who hold a doctoral degree (or
international equivalent) in art history or archaeology and conferred
within five years from the start date of the fellowship (between
September 1, 2009 and September 1, 2014).

Experience and Skills:
- Demonstrated experience in accomplishing original research on objects
in the field of the host department
- Strong computer skills required; knowledge of TMS desirable
- Proven competency in conceptualizing and producing innovative online
forms of scholarly communication desirable
- Capacity for sustained, meticulous, systematic attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Intellectual rigor and curiosity
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- See the additional specific qualifications required for each subject
area above


How to Apply:
All applications must be submitted online and in English. We will not
accept applications or related materials via email, postal mail, or in
person. The online application form is available at:
https://metmuseum.wufoo.com/forms/mellon-curatorial-researchcollections-
specialist/

You will be required you to provide the following as a single file (PDF
or Microsoft Word) in the following order:
- Cover letter addressing your interest in the fellowship position
- Full curriculum vitae of education, professional experience, honors,
awards, and publications
- A statement, not to exceed one thousand words, specifying your areas
of research and their relationship to the Museum's collections and
activities. Include relevant experiences related to your chosen
curatorial project area.


The deadline for all application materials is January 31, 2014. All
applicants will be notified by March 7, 2014.

If you have any questions about the application process please contact
us at Education.grantsmetmuseum.org