Job Information
Harvard University Calderwood Curatorial Fellow in South Asian and Islamic Art in Cambridge, Massachusetts
67642BRAuto req ID:67642BRJob Code:388090 Museum Fellow Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Calderwood Curatorial Fellow in South Asian and Islamic ArtSub-Unit:------------ Appointment End Date:27-Aug-2027Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :090Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:
MA in Art History or related field
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
PhD a plus; specialization in South Asian and/or Persian painting of the 14th – 19th centuries and proficiency in Persian and/or Urdu, Hindi, or Sanskrit desirable
Curatorial or related experience helpful; interest in expanding canonical narratives strongly encouraged
Commitment to fostering the appreciation of works of art in a museum context
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team
We believe in the potential of candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. If you meet the basic qualifications for this role and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every single additional qualification. Whether you're starting your career, re-entering the workforce, transitioning fields, or seeking the next step, we welcome your unique perspective. We're committed to considering a wide range of applicants. Please use your cover letter to share your passion for art museums and how you envision contributing to this role. We’d love to hear from you!
Additional Information:Application Procedures:
Please apply online with a letter of interest and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting January 27, 2025, and continuing until the position is filled.
Upon review of initial applications, successful candidates will be notified to submit two letters of recommendation. Other supporting documents may include transcripts and writing samples.
Candidates progressing to the next stage may be required to submit additional documents and/or deliver a presentation. All interviews will take place virtually.
Additional Information:
The term of this fellowship is September 2, 2025 – August 27, 2027. In addition to $60,000 annual compensation, the fellowship has an allocated travel budget and is eligible to participate in Harvard’s fringe benefits program.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
Department:Division of Asian and Mediterranean ArtPre-Employment Screening:Criminal, Education, IdentitySchedule:Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. Job Function:Museum Position Description:
The Calderwood Fellow conducts object-based research and scholarship on the extensive collections of the Harvard Art Museums, with a focus on the rich artistic achievements of South Asia and the Islamic world in the early modern era. Under the supervision of the Norma Jean Calderwood Curator of Islamic and Later Indian Art, the Fellow develops a series of argument-driven installations for the galleries of South Asian and Islamic Art, working primarily with the holdings of paintings and drawings from the 14th through 19th centuries, but also reaching across centuries, media, and curatorial divisions as appropriate for chosen themes.
Assists with a broad range of other curatorial activities, including cataloging of the permanent collection in the Art Museums’ database, new acquisitions, permanent gallery changes, special exhibitions, and donor cultivation.
Foregrounding the museum’s teaching and research mission, the Curatorial Fellow also helps provide content expertise and support for teaching in the galleries and the Museums’ Art Study Center, including staffing Art Study Center sessions approximately three hours a week, participating in a series of art handling workshops, and contributing to a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.
The Curatorial Fellow will be an active member of the Fellows’ cohort and will participate in regular cohort meetings, training, activities, and in the annual Fellows symposium at the end of the spring semester.
The Fellow may supervise students and temporary employees.
PLEASE NOTE: This position works on-site at both the museum in Cambridge, MA and a second facility in Somerville, MA.
School/Unit:Harvard Art Museums EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Job Summary:The Harvard Art Museums’ Fellowship program is designed to broaden the experience of those embarking on professional museum careers in art history and related fields, conservation and conservation science, and/or education. Harvard Art Museums’ global collections encompass cultures across Asia, North Africa, Europe, and the Americas from ancient times to today. The Fellow is an integral member of the Museums staff whose work serves the Museums’ purpose, vision, and values (https://harvardartmuseums.org/about/purpose-vision-values) .Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format:On-Site LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-SS1Work Format Details:This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.About Us:The Harvard Art Museums
Ever since their founding, the Harvard Art Museums—the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum—have been dedicated to advancing and supporting learning at Harvard University, in the local community, and around the world. Displayed in galleries that mix not only media but schools of art, the collection at Harvard is celebrated and interrogated within a larger story of artistic expression and historical and contemporary issues. The diverse collection is among the largest in the United States. Through research, teaching, professional training, and public education, the museums strive to advance the understanding and appreciation of art.
The museums value staff diversity and are committed to building a culturally diverse community. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.