John R. and Barbara Robinson Family Curatorial Fellow in Photography
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Job Description
At the intersection of public access and higher education, the Harvard Art Museums invite everyone to embrace inquiry, dialogue, and new perspectives on art and ideas. The museums’ global collections encompass a broad range of time periods and geographies.
The Fellowship program at the Harvard Art Museums is designed to broaden the experience of those embarking on professional museum careers in art history and related fields, conservation and conservation science, and/or museum education. Fellows are integral members of the museums’ staff, take part in departmental and museum-wide meetings, and collaborate with colleagues across the museums. Fellows are active members of the program cohort, participating in regular Fellows meetings, workshops, specialized training, and organized activities throughout the year, including presenting their work at an annual Fellows Symposium.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
- The Robinson Curatorial Fellow, working closely with and reporting to the Richard L. Menschel Curator of Photography, will assist in all aspects of research, interpretation, scholarship, display, and exhibition planning related to the museums’ collection of over 85,000 photographs and time-based media works.
- The Fellow will also play a key role in supporting collection strategy and acquisitions. In this capacity, the Fellow will also work closely with the Conservator of Photographs and members of the Division of Modern and Contemporary Art.
- A major focus of the Fellowship will be assisting in the development of a scholarly exhibition on the history, aesthetics, and ethics of flash illumination in photography. This project will require extensive historical research into photographic practices and flash technologies from the medium’s inception to the present, examining their evolution and diverse applications. The Fellow will play a key role in the development of an exhibition checklist, related acquisitions, publication, and scholarly and public programming.
- Fellows may assist in researching and preparing interpretive materials for permanent collection installations, special exhibitions, and museum publications. Tasks may include drafting and producing correspondence, wall labels, and related materials.
- The Fellow’s time is divided between their assigned projects and work that supports a broad range of curatorial activities, which may involve correspondence related to loan requests and collection inquiries, provenance research, cataloging the permanent collection in the museums’ database, assisting with new acquisitions, donor cultivation, and administrative tasks.
- Foregrounding the museums’ teaching and research mission, the Fellow also participates in interdisciplinary teaching and contributes to a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.
- The Fellow may supervise students and temporary employees.
- The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the position.
PLEASE NOTE: This position works on site at both the museum in Cambridge, MA, and periodically at a second facility in Somerville, MA.
Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:
MA in Art History or related field
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- PhD preferred, with emphasis on the history of photography and related scholarly discourse
- Background in early photography, with an interest in 20th century and contemporary global practices
- Proficiency in a foreign language helpful
- Museum or related experience preferred; interest in expanding canonical narratives strongly encouraged
- Commitment to fostering engagement with original works of art in a university museum context, for all visitors
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team
We believe in the potential of candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for this role and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every single Additional Qualification. Whether you're starting your career, re-entering the workforce, transitioning fields, or seeking the next step, we welcome your unique perspective. Please use your cover letter to share your passion for art museums and how you envision contributing to this role.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: 08/31/2028
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity, Education, and Criminal.
Application Procedures
Please apply online with a cover letter and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting January 26, 2026, and continuing until the position is filled.
Upon review of applications, select candidates will be notified to submit two letters of recommendation. Supporting documents may include writing samples and other materials.
Additional Information:
The term of this fellowship is September 8, 2026 – August 31, 2028. In addition to $60,000 annualized compensation, the Fellow has an allocated travel budget and is eligible to participate in Harvard’s fringe benefits program.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
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Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 090. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.