Lydia and Doug Shorenstein Research Fellow

SFMOMA's Shorenstein research fellowship seeks to contribute to the reservoir of knowledge about works of art and artists represented in SFMOMA's permanent collection of Painting and Sculpture. The fellowship provides one candidate holding an advanced degree in art history with an eighteen-month opportunity to extend their range of expertise and research skills by immersion in the work of the Painting and Sculpture Department and direct contact with objects in the collection. SFMOMA's painting and sculpture collection spans the years 1900 to the present, with particular strengths in California, American, and European modern and contemporary art. Current department research and acquisition initiatives aim at expanding the narratives within the collection to better represent the historical impact of BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ artists, and we seek candidates committed to helping us further this ongoing work.

Candidates are invited to propose a specific research project or area of focus. The proposal must be based on artists and works in SFMOMA's collection, with lists available online and upon request. The fellow will pursue independent research founded on this proposal, as well as assist with research and curatorial projects directed by the museum's staff. The fellow will assemble portfolios of findings which aid in the development of exhibition projects, interpretative strategies, and museum publications relating to collection works generally. Additionally, the fellow will work with curatorial and editorial staff at the museum to write, edit, and publish on the museum's website one or more scholarly essays or articles on artists and artworks in the museum collection. The fellow also will contribute to and participate in the general activities of the department.

The Shorenstein fellow will work 35 hrs/week (5 days/week) directly with the assistant curators under the supervision of SFMOMA's Andrew W. Mellon Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture and have regular check-ins to discuss progress. Fellows will work with other Painting and Sculpture and museum staff as needed and attend department meetings as well as project-specific meetings, and have access to the full collections, library, archives, and all collections-related resources of SFMOMA within COVID safety guidelines.

Learn more about the expectations and qualifications for this role in the attached job description. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.