The University of Notre Dame Curatorial Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is offering an opportunity for early career art historians who want to build a professional career in museum curation. This fellowship is hosted by the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art and allows researchers to work closely with internationally recognized collections while developing expertise in research, cataloguing, exhibitions, and public engagement.
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The fellowship is also supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. Fellows will contribute to major museum initiatives, including collection digitization, provenance research, and the publication of a new selected works catalogue.
If you recently completed a PhD in art history and interested in museum work, this fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for your career growth.
University of Notre Dame Curatorial Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Notre Dame |
| Museum | Raclin Murphy Museum of Art |
| Host Country | United States |
| Fellowship Type | Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Eligible Applicants | Recent PhD graduates in Art History |
| Fellowship Duration | 2 years (possible 1-year extension) |
| Annual Salary | £63,480 to £71,748 equivalent (paid in US dollars as listed by the programme) |
| Travel Support | $4,000 per year |
| Fellowship Starts | September 28, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 17, 2026 |
About the University of Notre Dame Curatorial Fellowship
The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art is offering four postdoctoral fellowships across its main curatorial departments, which includes;
- European and American Art before 1900
- Indigenous Americas and Africa
- International Modern and Contemporary Art
- Photographs
This fellowship focuses on European and American Art before 1900, where fellows preserve a collection of more than 5,300 artworks. The museum houses rare collections of:
- Italian Renaissance art
- Baroque art
- French Rococo art
- Neoclassical works
- Nineteenth-century academic art
- Prints and drawings
- Paintings
- Sculpture
- Decorative arts
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a competitive package that includes:
- Annual salary ranging from $63,480 to $71,748, depending on experience
- Travel and professional development allowance of $4,000 per year
- Two-year full-time appointment
- Possible one-year extension
- Opportunity to publish scholarly work
- Experience working with internationally recognised museum collections
- Professional mentoring from experienced museum curators
- Participation in exhibitions, public lectures, and museum programmes
Fellowship Responsibilities
- Catalogue museum collections
- Conduct provenance research
- Update collection records
- Research selected artworks
- Prepare exhibition labels
- Recommend works for display rotations
- Contribute to the museum’s selected works catalogue
- Assist faculty and students using museum collections
- Participate in lectures, gallery talks, tours, and public programmes
- Support ongoing collection digitisation projects
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in Art History from an accredited institution in the United States or Europe.
- Have completed the PhD within the last five years.
- Demonstrate reading knowledge of at least two European languages.
- Have knowledge of the history of European and American art before 1900.
- Be familiar with archival research.
- Show an interest in connoisseurship.
- Communicate effectively with both academic and public audiences.
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively.
Note that experience working in museums is desirable but not required. Applicants intending to pursue a long-term curatorial career will receive preference.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Writing sample (maximum 5,000 words)
- Two confidential letters of recommendation
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the following steps:
- Step 1: Prepare all required application documents.
- Step 2: Write a strong cover letter explaining your interest in museum curation and your research goals.
- Step 3: Upload your application through the Interfolio application system.
- Step 4: Ensure your referees submit both recommendation letters before the deadline.
- Step 5: Submit your complete application no later thanAugust 17, 2026.
Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for this fellowship?
Recent PhD graduates in Art History who earned their doctorate within the last five years.
Where is the fellowship hosted?
At the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame, United States.
How long does the fellowship last?
Two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
What salary does the fellowship provide?
Successful fellows receive between $63,480 and $71,748 per year, depending on experience.
Is there additional financial support?
Yes. Fellows receive a $4,000 annual travel and professional development allowance.
Is museum experience required?
No. Museum experience is desirable but not essential.
How many recommendation letters are required?
Applicants must submit two confidential letters of recommendation.
What is the writing sample limit?
The writing sample must not exceed 5,000 words.
When does the fellowship begin?
The appointment is expected to begin on September 28, 2026.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by August 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
