Hakuta Family Nam June Paik Curatorial Fellow at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Hakuta Family Nam June Paik Curatorial Fellow

Req ID: 67643BR

School or Unit: Harvard Art Museums

Description: 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.

Position Description

• The Paik Curatorial Fellow reports to and will work closely with the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art as well as serving as working in close collaboration with the members of the Time-Based Media Working Group which includes curators, conservators, registrars, collections management staff, and media technicians.
• The Paik Fellow will be responsible for conducting original research on the Harvard Art Museums' collection works by Nam June Paik as well as artists within his network and those working in his legacy with an eye towards producing original scholarship. Outcomes of the Fellow's work will deepen the Art Museums' knowledge of Nam June Paik, both his individual practice and his influence, with the intention of developing a multi-year plan for the installation of Paik's work in the Museums' galleries or other potential sites for exhibition, integration into curriculum and teaching, and programming. Particular attention to Paik's groundbreaking role in the development of time-based media, and the conservation and installation of his works will be a focus.
• The Curatorial Fellow participates in a broad range of curatorial activities, including assistance with new acquisitions, cataloging of the collection in the Art Museums' database, preparing collection works for display in the galleries, research and interpretation of the collection, 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.

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
• Proficiency in a second language helpful
• Experience in and ongoing commitment to object-based research essential
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: 388090 Museum Fellow

Job Function: Museum

Work Format: On-Site

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 090

Department: Division of Modern and Contemporary Art


Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Education, Identity

Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.

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.

EOE 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.

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