Curatorial Postdoctoral Fellowship in Photography

The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame seeks a Curatorial Postdoctoral Fellow in Photography. Funded by a Lilly Endowment grant, the two‑year full‑time fellowship (with a possible one‑year extension) runs from 28 September 2026 to September 2028. The Fellow will reside on‑site in Notre Dame, Indiana, and receive an annual salary of $63,480–$71,748 depending on experience, plus a $4,000 travel stipend to support independent research and professional development.

The Fellow will work under the museum’s photography curator to catalogue, research, and interpret the museum’s permanent photography collection of approximately 10,000 objects. Responsibilities include updating attributions, documenting provenance, compiling bibliographies, entering data into the museum’s collections management system, and contributing to a forthcoming selected‑works catalogue. The role also involves public programming such as lectures, gallery talks, and tours, as well as supporting faculty and student engagement with the collection.

Eligibility requires a PhD in art history earned within the past five years from a U.S. or European institution, reading knowledge of at least two European languages, and a strong command of the art‑historical canon. Prior museum experience is desirable but not mandatory. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, a writing sample (max 5,000 words), and two confidential letters of recommendation via Interfolio by 17 August 2026.

This fellowship offers early‑career scholars a unique opportunity to develop curatorial expertise, contribute to scholarly publications, and engage with a vibrant academic community at a leading research university.

Full-time postdoctoral fellowship with annual salary $63,480–$71,748, $4,000 travel stipend, on‑site residence, access to the Raclin Murphy Museum collection, research support, mentorship, opportunity to contribute to a new catalogue, participation in public programs.

PhD in art history obtained within the last five years; reading knowledge of at least two European languages; preferably US or European residency; early‑career scholars intending a curatorial career.