Postdoctoral Curatorial Research Fellow, Latinx Art

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is seeking a Postdoctoral Curatorial Research Fellow for Latinx Art. This full-time position focuses on researching Latinx artworks and enhancing representation in museum collections. The fellow will engage in interdisciplinary projects, collaborate with various departments, and contribute to public programs. This role offers a stipend of $53,000 and a $3,500 travel allowance, with potential for renewal based on performance.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Long Term Disability

Paid Time Off

Volunteer Time Off

MFAH Membership

Discounts on purchases

Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of research and scholarship on Latinx art required.
• Experience in collections-based research and curatorial practice required.

Responsibilities

• Survey and research Latinx artworks in the Museum’s collections.
• Collaborate with MFAH Conservation Department for research.
• Assist in conceptualizing and organizing collection displays.

Skills

Research

Collaboration

Interpersonal Skills

Writing

Education

Doctoral degree in art history or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office/365

The Museum System (TMS)

Job description

Postdoctoral Curatorial Research Fellow, Latinx Art

Job Category: Curatorial

Requisition Number: POSTD001610

Apply now

• Posted : May 6, 2025
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Audrey Jones Beck
The Audrey Jones Beck Building
5601 Main St
Houston, TX 77005, USA

Audrey Jones Beck
The Audrey Jones Beck Building
5601 Main St
Houston, TX 77005, USA

¡Aquí Estamos!: Latinx Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Curatorial Research Fellowship, Latinx Art

Deadline to apply: June 27th, 2025

Project Description

Latinx art is an integral yet thus far significantly under-recognized part of American art. The MFAH understands “Latinx art” as work produced by artists of Latin American descent who were born or are active in the United States. This includes but is not limited to those who identify as Chicana/o, Puerto Rican/Nuyorican, Mexican American, Dominican American, Cuban American, as well as others born in Central, South America, or the Caribbean who have made the United States their country of residence. Despite Latinx artists’ critical contributions to U.S. art histories, their work has not benefitted from the same level of representation and visibility as their peers in mainstream arts institutions or university classrooms. The MFAH and its International Center for the Arts of the Americas(ICAA) are working to address this omission via ¡Aquí Estamos!: Latinx Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. This multi-year, institution-wide initiative aims to transform this emergent field by opening critical pathways for the study and exhibition of Latinx art and artists within a major encyclopedic museum.

¡Aquí Estamos! will provide hands-on training for future museum and research professionals focused on Latinx art by placing fellows in Museum departments, including Curatorial, Conservation, Learning and Interpretation, and the ICAA. Mentored by key MFAH staff, emerging professionals and scholars will participate in an array of projects, including the ICAA Latinx Papers Project. Fellows will benefit from the unique opportunity to engage in the deep study of Latinx art within a cohort of ¡Aquí Estamos! fellows. Opportunities for collaboration and professional development will be facilitated by regular project meetings, workshops centered on critical issues in the field, and collaborative projects ranging from the development of collection object studies, interpretative materials, public programs, and/or publications.

Fellowship Description:

Key to the multi-year ¡Aquí Estamos!: Latinx Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston initiative are emerging researchers who are well-positioned to make a significant contribution to the project. Fellowship opportunities recognize the importance of early career exposure to object-based research and curatorial practices in cultivating the next generation of scholars and curators in the field of Latinx art.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is offering a Postdoctoral Curatorial Research Fellow the opportunity to assist the MFAH department of Latin American and Latino Art in the study of Latinx artworks in the Museum’s collections as well as in the research and identification of works by Latinx artists for potential acquisition. The fellow will also collaborate with fellows and staff in the departments of Conservation and Learning and Interpretation to engage in the interdisciplinary study of existing works in the MFAH collection. Additionally, the Curatorial Research Fellow will contribute to the development of collection displays and public programs that center on Latinx artists. The creation of this Postdoctoral Fellowship complements the establishment of a restricted Latino Art Fund aimed at increasing the Museum’s holdings in this area through targeted acquisitions.

This is a full-time, twelve-month appointment with a possible one-year renewal contingent upon performance.

Candidates must demonstrate scholarly excellence and an academic focus in Latinx art and culture. Applicants with backgrounds historically underrepresented in museum professions are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Survey and research Latinx artworks in the Museum’s collections.
• Attend meetings of the Latino Art Fund Committee and assist in their organization.
• Attend meetings of Latin American Art Sub-committee and report as needed.
• Identify networks of galleries, agents, and collectors focused on Latinx art. Maintain contact database and mailing lists.
• Collaborate with MFAH Conservation Department to perform in-depth, cross-departmental research and analysis of select collection objects.
• Maintain Latinx art collection files.
• Identify, research, and make recommendations for potential acquisitions to the collection.
• Work with Registrar’s Office to ensure objects are well documented.
• As needed, and budget allows, perform field research or in-person or virtual studio visits and/or artist interviews with established and emerging Latinx artists from across the United States.
• Assist in conceptualizing and organizing collection displays and public programs related to the initiative.
• Work closely with staff across multiple departments to contextualize the work or project for delivery in the galleries, on the MFAH website, and in fundraising and marketing materials.
• Draft written content including labels, interpretation materials, and other supporting needs for curatorial projects.
• Share research findings in the form of public lectures and/ or panel presentations.
• Establish bridges with the local and national Latinx artistic community.
• Expand their research findings in gallery materials and/or scholarly essays.
• Participate in the organization and implementation of the ICAA’s annual Object-based Learning seminar in partnership with University of Houston and Rice University.
• Participate in departmental and ¡Aquí Estamos! cohort meetings as well as internal workshops.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in art history or related field (conferred between May 31st, 2020 and May 31st, 2025). ABD candidates possessing the necessary expertise and experience may also be considered.
• Demonstrated record of research and scholarship on Latinx art is required. Related knowledge of modern and contemporary Latin American art is desired.
• Demonstrated experience in collections-based research and curatorial practice is required
• Advanced research and writing skills are required
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as to self-manage workloads; ability to meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with various museum departments, staff, university and other external partners
• Interest and willingness to work in a museum
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/365, including PowerPoint and Excel
• Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) or similar CMS is helpful

Stipend:

The Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow, Latinx Art will receive a $53,000 award and $3,500 allowance for research-related travel each year. Support for relocation to Houston is also available. The Postdoctoral Curatorial Research Fellow is eligible to receive benefits from the MFAH.

Residency:

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be in residency at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and will participate fully in the activities of the Latin American and Latino Art department throughout the fellowship period. The fellow has access to the notable resources represented by the MFAH art collections, the International Center for the Arts of the Americas, the MFAH Hirsch Library, and other specialized research libraries and collections in the Houston area.

Anticipated Term:

The anticipated term is September 8th, 2025—August 28th, 2026, but adjustments will be considered if needed. Please note that this fellowship cannot be deferred.

Application Instructions:

Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration.

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Please submit the following materials to MFAH Careers by June 27th, 2025:

• Letter of interest describing your experience and professional goals as relevant to this opportunity (maximum 1500 words)
• Academic writing sample (maximum 12-15 pages)
• The name and contact information for at least two (2) academic or other relevant professional references

Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

About the MFAH

The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package.

Department Overview

The MFAH is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of Latin American and Latinx art. Over the last 20 years, the Museum built a core collection of post-World War II modern and contemporary art with over 850 emblematic works in all media from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the United States. During this time, the MFAH acquired works by major Latinx artists including Allora & Calzadilla, Carlos Almaraz, Margarita Cabrera, María Magdalena Campos Pons, Adriana Corral, Teresita Fernández, Jay Lynn Gomez, Luis Jiménez, Carmen Lomas Garza, César A. Martínez, Daniel Jospeh Martinez, Narsiso Martinez, Antonio Martorell, Ana Mendieta, Amalia Mesa-Bains, Camilo Ontiveros, John M. Valadez, and Vincent Valdez. To date, the Museum’s holdings in this area encompass 400+ works by 70+ artists.

In 2001, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), established the Latin American Art Department and its research arm, the International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA). The mission of the ICAA is to collect, exhibit, research, and educate audiences about the diverse artistic production of Latin American and Latinx communities. The ICAA organizes research-based exhibitions, maintains a dynamic publications program, and develops research and education projects that complement the MFAH’s renowned collections of Latin American and Latino art. The ICAA’s cornerstone initiative is the Documents of Latin American and Latino Art digital archive project, which is dedicated to recovering primary source documents and critical texts related to Latin American and Latinx art and making them accessible to a worldwide audience.

Position Available:

Title: Postdoctoral Curatorial Research Fellow, Latinx Art

Academic Level: PhD in art history or related field; qualified ABD candidates may also be considered

Department: Curatorial

Term: Full-time, twelve months (September 2025—August 2026)

Term: September 2025—August 2026

Location: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Work Schedule

Full-time exempt, one-year position with a regular in-person work schedule (M-F, 35 hrs/wk). Hybrid work options may be considered after the 90-day introductory period.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Ability to collect and analyze research and data as well as verbal information to reach logical recommendations and conclusions
• Ability to work under deadlines and sometimes changing requirements or expectations in an appropriate manner
• Job duties will include extended standing and working with a computer
• Work will be performed across MFAH campus, including studios, galleries, and outdoor locations.

With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will include:

• Must undergo and meet company standards for relevant criminal background and professional reference checks.
• Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others.
• Frequent sitting, with occasional standing, and walking.
• Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities.

Equal Opportunities for All

At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.

Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: [e-mail] .

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
• Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
• Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program
• Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
• Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
• Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee

The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:

• Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked
• Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days
• Holidays - Full-time employees receive ten paid holidays per year
• Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.

Other Benefits

• MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership
• Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.

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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.