Curatorial Research Associate, Medieval Art

Museum of Fine Arts•Boston, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, seeks a part-time Curatorial Research Associate (CRA) to work under the direction of the Chair of Art of Europe, aiding with the research, administration, and implementation of the collection assessment and curatorial planning for a renovated suite of Medieval galleries. The new installation will be based on the Museum’s superlative permanent collection of Medieval art. These holdings are administered by several departments at the MFA but are primarily housed in the Art of Europe. The CRA position will play a crucial role in helping the larger staff team review and understand the collection and thus prioritize what to include in and conserve for these future galleries. This position, funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in all curatorial aspects of collection assessment and content planning. Reporting to the Chair of Art of Europe, and working closely with the Associate Curator of Decorative Arts, who serves as the collection lead for this project, the CRA is envisioned as a key team member. The CRA will coordinate with stakeholders and experts within the Museum, including conservators, registrars, curators, project managers, designers, utility crew, and other staff to allow a full survey of works to be considered for a future installation checklist. The CRA will also serve as a point person for communications with consultants and experts outside the Museum and help with scheduling in-person and virtual meetings, as well as support a convening of outside experts at the MFA. The position will also assist with the processing of reimbursements for travel, honoraria, research expenses, and so forth. Above all, the CRA will undertake a range of tasks to augment and maintain records in databases (TMS), spreadsheets, PowerPoints, lists, and so on that will form the materials for discussion as the team determines the preliminary object checklist. As research progresses, the CRA will update and augment hard-copy object files and TMS records. Subsequent steps will define installation and conservation priorities and identify candidates for deaccessioning; collaboration with Interpretation and the convening of outside experts will begin to shape key themes and the overall narrative of the installation. This is a part-time position for 17.5 hours/week for a one-year term, with the possibility of a one-year renewal.

Requirements

Advanced degree in European art history, or equivalent related experience, demonstrating scholarly ability through publications, conference papers, and other activities.
Demonstrated interest in and familiarity with the art, architecture, history, and culture of the Middle Ages in Europe.
Experience working in museums or related settings, preferably within a curatorial department.
Familiarity with databases and library and electronic research.
Committed to collaboration with others to achieve the best outcome.
Excellent and timely decision maker able to help all stakeholders stay on schedule and thus move plans and objectives forward.
Strong sense of accountability for achieving stated objectives and demonstrable experience doing so.
Exceptional verbal and written communication, with demonstrated presentation skills.
Organized and able to effectively and efficiently manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines.

Responsibilities

Aiding with the research, administration, and implementation of the collection assessment and curatorial planning for a renovated suite of Medieval galleries.
Coordinating with stakeholders and experts within the Museum, including conservators, registrars, curators, project managers, designers, utility crew, and other staff to allow a full survey of works to be considered for a future installation checklist.
Serving as a point person for communications with consultants and experts outside the Museum.
Helping with scheduling in-person and virtual meetings.
Supporting a convening of outside experts at the MFA.
Assisting with the processing of reimbursements for travel, honoraria, research expenses, and so forth.
Undertaking a range of tasks to augment and maintain records in databases (TMS), spreadsheets, PowerPoints, lists, and so on that will form the materials for discussion as the team determines the preliminary object checklist.
Updating and augmenting hard-copy object files and TMS records as research progresses.
Collaborating with Interpretation and convening outside experts to shape key themes and the overall narrative of the installation.