Research Fellow, Center for Netherlandish Art

Museum of Fine Arts•Boston, MA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Netherlandish Art (CNA) seeks applicants for the CNA Fellowship Program for object-based research related to Netherlandish art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. These Fellowships are full-time appointments for a period of 6, 9 or 12 months, beginning in fall of 2027. The CNA is committed to fostering a broad and diverse international applicant pool and we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Fellowship candidates who require visa sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered on an equal basis in accordance with applicable laws and our organization’s policy. The museum also assists successful candidates with the visa application process, depending on category of visa. The CNA Fellowship Program provides the opportunity to pursue an independent research project, determined by the fellow, related to the MFA’s expansive collections of Netherlandish art, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, works on paper, early books, and more. Research topics may focus on Dutch and/or Flemish art and culture of the long 17th century (circa 1560-1800), including contacts and exchanges between the Netherlands and other global regions. Interdisciplinary approaches are not required, but are encouraged and supported. CNA Fellowships are open to a range of educational levels from MA graduates to recent postdoctoral scholars. Proposed projects might address, for example, research for submission of a PhD proposal, PhD dissertation work, and/or preparation of a publication. The CNA acknowledges the continued need to make the field of Netherlandish art history more inclusive and equitable and seeks to foster early career professionals of all identities and nationalities representing a range of backgrounds, prior experiences, and research priorities. Fellowships have the primary goal of advancing a Fellow’s individual scholarship. Fellows work with a mentor within the Museum, and have access to the MFA’s resources including collections, expertise, the Conservation Center, the CNA Library and research facilities, as well as to other research libraries and collections in the Boston/Cambridge area. The CNA has an international network of academic and museum partners to support Fellows’ projects. In residence at the CNA, a balanced program of activities facilitates the Fellows’ research and professional development. The cohort of CNA Fellows works together with the support of the CNA to promote their research and share it with a range of audiences. Fellows will provide a final written report at the conclusion of the Fellowship, and will participate in the annual CNA Colloquium in the spring, which is open to the public.

Requirements

Must have completed a master’s degree, be currently pursuing a doctoral degree, or have completed a doctoral degree within the last five years.
Areas of specialization may include but are not limited to history of art, architecture, decorative arts and design, technical art history, conservation science, cultural studies, history of science, philosophy, sociology, visual studies, literary studies, religious studies, transatlantic studies, gender and sexuality studies, and/or related fields.
Commitment to public scholarship, and eagerness to participate in training opportunities at the Museum to share expertise with broad audiences
Proven research capabilities, academic credentials and writing skills
Strong command of English and comfort working in an English-language environment.

Nice To Haves

Dutch language skills are a plus, but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

Work on individual research project
Present on research progress
Participate in workshops, excursions and hands-on training opportunities
Contribute actively to CNA and MFA events and programs
Produce a final written report and participate in the spring CNA colloquium
Attend department meetings and other staff meetings
Engage in activities with various stakeholders upon request
Produce content for the Museum’s online presence, including social media and CNA Stories