Cisneros Institute Research Fellow for Latin American Art

MoMA•New York, NY

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Patricia Phelps de Cisneros Research Institute for the Study of Art from Latin America is seeking a Research Fellow for a two-year appointment starting September 2026. The Cisneros Institute, established by The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2016, aims to stimulate, support, and disseminate new research on modern and contemporary art from Latin America, promoting diverse perspectives and fostering international dialogue. As part of MoMA, the Institute rigorously researches MoMA's Latin American holdings and collaborates with artists, scholars, and institutions. The Fellow will support research initiatives, focusing on contemporary Latin American and Caribbean art, discourses, and debates. Key responsibilities include coordinating a publication on modern art and spiritualities, liaising with authors, securing image rights, and assisting with its book launch. The Fellow will also contribute to developing the Institute's new research topic through preliminary research, reading, annotation, and reporting, and identifying potential collaborators. This fellowship is part of MoMA's broader fellowship program, offering training and development opportunities alongside experienced staff and participation in a core methods and practice program focused on object-based research, public engagement, and arts leadership.

Requirements

Specialized knowledge of modern and contemporary art in Latin America
Phil candidates or PhD students in art history, cultural studies, and/or a related field in the humanities (or the equivalent in countries outside the United States) required or the equivalent level of experience.
If pursuing a Ph.D. program, candidate should be a fully-enrolled student and ABD.
Independent curators or researchers with strong expertise in the area of focus will also be considered.
Demonstrated research capabilities.
Knowledge of basic administrative and organizational procedures and skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work within a process-oriented team.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within an art institution context is preferred.
Editorial experience preferred.
Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Compiles bibliographies and synthesizes theoretical and critical texts that inform research focus.
Identifies artists, curators, and scholars relevant to research focus.
Prepares meetings in person and online in New York and in Latin America in accordance with the research focus; compiles relevant biographies, research materials, and meeting agendas; corresponds with invited guests; coordinates viewing of works; and maintains records of contacts and activities.
Conducts research and creates and organizes detailed itineraries for group travel, involving, coordinating, visits, dinners, and meetings, for MoMA staff who participate in the symposium in New York or Latin America.
Researches and keeps the Latin American research group, composed of MoMA staff who are interested in participating in seminars and activities organized around the research theme.
Informs the group about relevant exhibitions and events related to the research focus.
Writes artists bios for moma.org and features for MoMA’s Magazine.
Participates in activities organized by the Museum for the cohort of Fellows.
Assists in the organization of and participates in joint symposia organized with other research groups of the museum (C-MAP).
Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.
Coordinate all aspects of the upcoming publication on modern art and spiritualities, including securing image rights, liaising with authors and co-editors of the publication, compiling bios, proofreading of book on typeset face, among other tasks.
Support the Director in the conception and development of a book launch for the project.
Work closely with the Institute’s Director developing the new research topic for the Institute, through conducting preliminary research, as well as through active reading, annotation and reporting.
Identify potential collaborators including scholars, curators, institutions and artists.