Postdoctoral Research Fellow, ICAA Latinx Papers Project

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

Job summary

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the ICAA Latinx Papers Project. This full-time, remote position focuses on expanding the representation of Latinx art through research and digitization of primary sources. Candidates should have a doctoral degree in art history and expertise in Latinx art. The fellowship offers a stipend of $53,000 plus benefits.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Long Term Disability

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Volunteer Time Off

MFAH Membership

Staff Discounts

Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of research and scholarship on Latinx art.
• Advanced research and writing skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the identification, review, and selection of documents.
• Research selected documents and generate their accompanying synopses.

Skills

Research

Writing

Collaboration

Spanish

Education

Doctoral degree in art history

Tools

Microsoft Office/365

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, ICAA Latinx Papers Project

Job Category: Curatorial

Requisition Number: POSTD001611

Apply now

• Posted : May 6, 2025
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Central Administration
The Central Administration Building
5100 Montrose Blvd
Houston, TX 77006, USA

Central Administration
The Central Administration Building
5100 Montrose Blvd
Houston, TX 77006, USA

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

Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, ICAA Latinx Papers Project

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

A component of the larger ¡Aquí Estamos! initiative, the ICAA Latinx Papers Project seeks to significantly expand the representation of Latinx art within the ICAA’s groundbreaking Documents of Latin American and Latino Art digital platform. The Latinx Papers Project will focus on the preservation and dissemination of primary source materials —correspondence, manifestos, exhibition reviews, exhibition pamphlets, journal articles, etc.— that are critical to the field of Latinx art. A targeted selection of documents will be culled from key repositories across the United States. Participating ICAA Research Fellows will work with the ICAA headquarters and with partner repositories in Texas, California, Florida, Washington D.C., the Midwest, and the greater New York region to digitize, research, annotate, and publish thousands of documents to the Documents Project site.

Key to the ICAA Latinx Papers Project are emerging researchers who are well-positioned to make a significant contribution to this initiative and the field at large. Research fellowship opportunities recognize the importance of early career exposure to archival and primary source research in cultivating the next generation of scholars and curators in the field of Latinx art.

The ICAA is offering a Postdoctoral Research Fellow the opportunity to assist in the identification, processing, and publishing of primary source documents to the Documents Project platform Fellows will possess expertise in major figures related to Latinx artists and art movements in the United States. They will apply advanced research skills to closely analyze and contextualize primary source documents; assist in editorial processes including the development and implementation of project-specific editorial criteria; work with students performing field research in collaborating repositories; generate new research in the form of published texts and scholarly essays; and gain familiarity with the systems and best practices for digital archive projects.

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

Candidates should 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

• Assist in the identification, review, and selection of documents from target repositories across the U.S. This includes recommending archives and collections that may be of interest to the project.
• Assist in establishing research priorities and project plans with collaborating repositories.
• Research selected documents and generate their accompanying synopses and annotations.
• Assist with editorial processes resulting in the publication of selected documents to the ICAA Documents Project.
• As needed, perform field research and/or assist in guiding project field researchers embedded at partner repositories.
• Expand upon their research findings in the form of published texts for the ICAA’s Working Papers series and additional ICAA publications as appropriate.
• Share research findings in the form of public lectures and/ or panel presentations.
• As needed, assist in conceptualizing and organizing programs and workshops related to the project.
• Participate in ¡Aquí Estamos! weekly Latinx Papers project-team meetings and internal workshops.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Doctoral degree in art history or related field (conferred between May 31st 2020 and May 31, 2025). ABD candidates possessing the necessary expertise and experience may also be considered.
• Expertise in Latinx art history is required. Related knowledge of modern and contemporary Latin American art is desired
• Demonstrated record of research and scholarship on Latinx art, artists, and culture. Scholars possessing both a regional specialty and a substantive background in Latinx art on a national level is highly desired
• Previous experience working with archives and library special collections is required.
• Advanced research and writing skills are required
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as to self-manage workloads
• Advanced reading knowledge of Spanish is required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/365
• Experience with digital archives or digital humanities projects is helpful
• Must currently be eligible to work in the United States

Anticipated Term:

The anticipated term is September 8th, 2025—August 28th, 2026, but adjustments will be considered if needed. Working schedule is flexible, but all duties must be performed in accordance with deadlines and project milestones as defined and established by the ICAA. Please note that this fellowship cannot be deferred.

Stipend:

The ICAA Postdoctoral Research Fellow will receive a $53,000 award and $3,500 allowance for research-related travel each year. The Postdoctoral fellow is also eligible to receive benefits from the MFAH.

Application Instructions:

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

1. Visit the MFAH Careers page at - https://www.mfah.org/about/careers/

2. "Click" on All current employment opportunities

3. Scroll through the listings to find this role.

4. "Click" and apply!

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.

Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, ICAA Latinx Papers Project

Academic Level: Ph.D. in Art History or related field

Supervisor: Dr. Arden Decker and Dr. Liz Donato

Department: Curatorial, International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA)

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

Location: Remote

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Work will be performed remotely in a home, office, and libraries and archives.
• 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 sitting, standing, and working with a computer

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

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.

Qualifications

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Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

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.