Emily Rauh Pulitzer Curatorial Fellow in Contemporary Drawings

Summary

At the intersection of public access and higher education, the Harvard Art Museumsinvite everyone to embrace inquiry, dialogue, and new perspectives on art and ideas. The museums’ global collections encompass a broad range of time periods andgeographies.

The Fellowship program at the Harvard Art Museums 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 museum education. Fellows are integral members of the museums’ staff, take part in departmental and museum-wide meetings, and collaborate with colleagues across the museums. Fellows are active members of the program cohort, participating in regular Fellows meetings, workshops, specialized training, and organized activities throughout the year, including presenting their work at an annual Fellows Symposium.

The Pulitzer Curatorial Fellowreportstoand  works closely withthe

Houghton Curator of Modern and Contemporary Artas well as working with the Maida and George Abrams Curator of Drawings to conduct original, scholarly research tosupport the acquisition, study, and curatorial care of drawing sand related worksfrom the
20thand
21stcenturies.

The focus of this Fellowship will be assessment and researchof the modern and contemporary drawing collectionas aligned with theinstitutional priority of drafting a collection development strategy.

In bothnumbersand by merit, drawings are a centerpiece of the museums’ collection and represent abroad set of cultural geographies.

Extending the research into the artists and artworks in this area opens our collections to more multifaceted narratives, audiences, and possibilities forscholarship anddisplay.

The Pulitzer Fellow will be akey contributor tothe reassessmentandconceptualizationofmodern andcontemporarydrawingin the museumand tobroadeningtherepresentationofartists, subjects of concern,andartistic practicesincluded in the museums’ collections.

Indialogue with paper conservators, issues in the material and conservation challenges of the medium will be explored.

Fellows mayassistin researching and preparing interpretive materials for permanentcollectioninstallations, special exhibitions, and museum publications. Tasks may include drafting and producing correspondence, wall labels, and related materials.

The Fellow’s time is divided between their assigned projects and work that supports a broad range of curatorial activities, which may involve correspondence related to loan requests and collection inquiries, provenance research, cataloging the permanent collection in the museums’ database, assisting with new acquisitions, donor cultivation, and administrative tasks.

Foregrounding the museums’ teaching and research mission, the Fellow also participates in interdisciplinary teaching and contributes to a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.

The Fellow may supervise students and temporary employees.

The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the position.

PLEASE NOTE:

This position works on site at both the museum in Cambridge, MA, and periodically at a second facility in Somerville, MA.

• MA in Art History or related field

• Proficiencyinasecondlanguagepreferred
• Experience in and ongoing commitment to object-based research essential
• PhD, or graduate-level work anchored in archival or collection research of artworks essential
• Museum or related experience preferred; interest in expandingcanonicalnarratives strongly encouraged
• Commitment to fostering engagement with original works of art in a university museum context, for all visitors
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team

Please apply online with a cover letter and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting January
26, 2026, and continuing until the position is filled.

Upon review of applications, select candidates will be notified to submit two letters of recommendation. Supporting documents may include writing samples and other materials.

The term of this fellowship is September 8, 2026 – August 31, 2028. In addition to $60,000 annualized compensation, the Fellow has an allocated travel budget and is eligible to participate in Harvard’s fringe benefits program.