Research Fellow, Missouri Remembers Project

Nelson Atkins; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

PTO & Holidays

Professional Growth

Retirement savings

Employee perks & discounts

Free Museum access

Job summary

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art seeks a curious, rigorous researcher to advance Missouri Remembers, a digital portal highlighting the state's visual culture. You will conduct original research, craft accessible scholarly content, organize assets, and coordinate image permissions with museum colleagues and partners across Missouri.

In a 12-month fellowship, you will build biographies, align with a style guide, enter metadata, and share findings through talks, articles, and educational resources

Qualifications

• Master's degree in art history, American studies, history, library/information science, digital humanities, or related field.
• At least three years of relevant research, writing, archival, digital humanities, or museum experience.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging writing.
• Strong organization, detail, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Research Missouri artists, institutions, schools, and exhibitions using diverse sources.
• Write biographies and contextual histories for broad audiences.
• Apply project style guide and revise content with editorial feedback.
• Manage research data, citations, and digital assets in Airtable and similar systems.
• Identify images, coordinate permissions, and track rights requests.
• Collaborate with Library & Archives staff and developers on portal content.
• Build relationships with collection stewards, scholars, and partners.
• Share research findings via presentations, articles, and educational resources.

Skills

Research skills

Strong writing

Editorial ability

Collaboration

Communication

Attention to detail

Accountability

Integrity

Inclusion

Education

Master's degree in art history or related field

Tools

Relational databases

Metadata standards

Digital publishing

Archival research

Image-rights management

Job description

Careers and internships at the Nelson-Atkins

The employees who support the Nelson-Atkins are considered among its greatest assets — and the jobs they perform integral to the richness of the institution.

Current Openings

We employ full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal personnel — as well as offer internship opportunities — across several areas of the museum. Here are the roles currently available.

Position:Research Fellow, Missouri Remembers Project

Location: Kansas City, MO

Job Id:1469

# of Openings:1

Research Fellow, Missouri Remembers Project

Full Time Temporary - 35 hours per week, onsite

Fellowship Period & Funding:

One-year fellowship, starting in early May 2027. The fellow will receive an annual salary of $55,000, benefits, and research and professional development funds.

Application Timeline:

Deadline for submissions is December 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST

The application must include:

• Cover Letter that addresses how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this Research Fellowship
• Published writing sample
• Transcripts for PhD, or master's degree and explanation of experience equivalent to PhD
• Three References, including their names, titles, and email addresses

Help Bring Missouri's Art History to Life

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is seeking a curious, rigorous, and collaborative researcher to help expand Missouri Remembers, a digital portal dedicated to the artists, institutions, schools, and exhibitions that have shaped the state's visual culture.

In this 12-month fellowship, you will conduct original research, write accessible and engaging scholarly content, organize research data and digital assets, coordinate image permissions, and work with Museum colleagues and partners across Missouri. Your work will make meaningful stories and resources available to general audiences, scholars, educators, and students.

What You'll Do

• Research Missouri artists, cultural institutions, schools, and exhibitions using archival collections, artist files, scholarly resources, and community-based sources.
• Write and revise accurate, engaging artist biographies and contextual histories for general, scholarly, and K-12 audiences.
• Apply the project's style guide and incorporate feedback through a collaborative editorial process.
• Enter and maintain research, metadata, citations, and digital assets in Airtable and related systems, ensuring records are complete, consistent, and properly sourced.
• Identify appropriate images, document permissions, and coordinate image-rights requests and records in accordance with Museum procedures.
• Partner with Library & Archives staff and the technical developer to test and document improvements to portal content, usability, and functionality.
• Build productive relationships with collection stewards, artist families, scholars, advisory members, and community partners throughout Missouri.
• Share project research through presentations, articles, conferences, public programs, or educational resources, as assigned.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in art history, American studies, history, library and information science, digital humanities, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least three years of relevant research, writing, archival, digital humanities, or museum experience. Relevant graduate-level research may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct careful research, evaluate sources, and translate complex information into clear, engaging writing.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to accountability, service, integrity, inclusion, and respect.

Preferred Qualifications

• A PhD completed within the past five years in art history, American studies, history, or a closely related field.
• Experience researching American art, Missouri history, or historically underrepresented artists and communities.
• Experience with relational databases, metadata standards, digital publishing, archival research, or image-rights management.

Schedule and Working Conditions

This is a 12-month assignment, generally running from May through April. The position is expected to work onsite Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support programs, events, exhibitions, and community partnerships. Local travel may occasionally be required for research, meetings, and events.

Work is primarily performed in a professional office and museum environment. The role regularly requires sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, and using a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods. The Fellow will move throughout Museum facilities, galleries, collections areas, the library, and archives.

Why the Nelson-Atkins?

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art welcomes all people to explore the art in its care and, through its broad collection, the depths and complexities of human experiences. We provide free access to art spanning 5,000 years and believe art can uplift, surprise, challenge, connect, and transform.

Our employees are among the Museum's greatest assets. Together, we care for the collection and campus, support and learn from our audiences and communities, and work to create a sense of belonging for all people.

Compensation

SALARY: $55,000 per year

Benefits are available to eligible employees and may vary based on appointment status and plan terms.

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; wellness and life insurance programs; flexible spending accounts
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, and employee assistance resources
• Professional Growth: Opportunities to learn from Museum colleagues, collections, research resources, and professional networks
• Financial Security: Retirement savings opportunities and eligible employer-supported benefits
• Culture & Mission: Free Museum access, employee perks and discounts, and the opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognized cultural institution

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accessibility

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive workplace.

Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process may contact People & Culture at people&[e-mail]

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, as permitted by law.

The information in this posting describes the general nature and level of work expected. It is not intended to be a complete list of every responsibility, duty, or qualification. The Museum may modify responsibilities or requirements as organizational needs evolve.

Launch your career in the arts — or explore a new field — through hands-on internship experiences. Although internships are offered across a variety of areas in the museum, roles are commonly found in education, photography and videography, design, branding, and curatorial affairs.

If an internship is not posted above, there are currently no internships available.

Our benefits support your health, well-being, and future:

• Wellness & Life Insurance Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Retirement Savings & Paid Time Off
• Employee Perks & Museum Discounts

*Part-time benefits may vary.

Values and culture

We’re guided by a mission that make the Nelson-Atkins a great place to work and thrive:

• Respect: Every voice is valued.
• Collaboration: Creativity thrives across teams.
• Stewardship: We care for our guests and the art collections.
• Growth: We offer opportunities for professional and personal development.

We’re proud to share that the Nelson-Atkins is WELL certified. That means our buildings meet a global standard that supports human health and well-being — through clean air and water, comfortable spaces, and thoughtful design that enhances the employee experience. Read more about the museum’s WELL Certification.