Research Fellowship Visa Sponsorship US

Job Description

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), through its Center for Netherlandish Art (CNA), invites applications for its Fellowship Program. This opportunity supports object-based research connected to the MFA’s extensive holdings in Netherlandish art. Fellows will be in residence for a full-time term of 6, 9, or 12 months, commencing in the fall of 2026.

We welcome applications from individuals at various stages of their academic careers, from those who have recently earned a master’s degree to scholars within five years of completing a doctorate. The program is dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable field and encourages candidates of all backgrounds, nationalities, and experiences to apply. The museum will provide visa sponsorship assistance to selected international fellows.

Fellows will pursue an independent research project of their own design, utilizing the MFA’s collections of Dutch and Flemish art, which include paintings, sculpture, works on paper, decorative arts, and early printed books. Projects should engage with the art and culture of the long seventeenth century, approximately from 1560 to 1800, and may explore connections between the Netherlands and other parts of the world. Interdisciplinary methodologies are welcomed.

The fellowship is designed to advance the scholar’s own work while integrating them into the museum’s intellectual community. Each fellow will be paired with a museum mentor and granted access to the MFA’s collections, conservation center, research libraries, and the specialized CNA Library. The program includes a schedule of professional development activities, workshops, and excursions. Fellows will join a small cohort, collaborating to share their research with public audiences and participating in the annual CNA Colloquium.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct independent, collection-focused research.
• Deliver presentations on research progress.
• Take part in scheduled program activities, including workshops and study trips.
• Engage in CNA and MFA events and programs.
• Submit a final research report and present at the spring colloquium.

Additional Duties

• Attend relevant staff and departmental meetings.
• Interact with museum stakeholders as needed.
• Contribute to digital and social media content about their research.

Candidate Profile

Applicants must hold a master’s degree, be currently enrolled in a doctoral program, or have received a PhD within the past five years. Specialization may be in art history, conservation science, cultural history, or related fields such as literature, philosophy, or gender studies.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Demonstrated research ability and strong writing skills.
• An interest in public scholarship and in sharing research with diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in English. Knowledge of Dutch is beneficial but not required.

Appointment Details

This is a full-time position for a period of 6, 9, or 12 months, starting in fall 2026. Fellows are expected to be present at the CNA during standard business hours, with flexibility for approved research travel. The CNA anticipates appointing up to two fellows for the 2026-27 cycle.

Compensation for a 12-month term is set at $53,615 for pre-doctoral fellows and $58,935 for post-doctoral fellows. Appointments for shorter terms will be prorated. The package includes a benefits program per museum policy, a relocation and visa allowance, and a travel stipend. This role is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the United Auto Workers union.

Application Procedure

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• A cover letter (maximum 400 words) describing your research interests and motivation for applying to the CNA.
• A research proposal (maximum 1,000 words) outlining your project, its connection to the MFA’s collection, and a proposed timeline. Please state your preferred fellowship duration.
• A current curriculum vitae.

One writing sample (e.g., a published article, dissertation chapter, or conference paper).

Additionally, two letters of recommendation should be sent directly by the referees to referenceletters@mfa.org with the subject line “CNA Fellowship Program.”

The deadline for submission is Monday, December 1, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of CNA staff, MFA colleagues, and external specialists. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our community and audiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status