Museum Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Studio Museum in Harlem | The Museum of Modern Art — Museum Fellowship Collaboration

The Museum of Modern Art (“MoMA”) is accepting applications for the fifth Museum Fellowship  Collaboration between The Studio Museum in Harlem (“The Studio Museum”) and MoMA. Two public programming fellows will be selected to spend one year at each museum, rotating to the partner institution after their first year for the completion of the two-year program.

Public Programs Fellow Responsibilities

This fellowship will offer insight into the daily workings of a museum through hands-on work, workshops, public programs, and professional development.

At The Museum of Modern Art, the fellow selected will be integrated into the Public Engagement team, under the umbrella of the Department of Learning and Engagement. They will be involved in researching, developing, producing, executing and evaluating adult public programs and events, conducting outreach to cultural partners, and brainstorming audience development strategies. The fellows will be responsible for communicating and coordinating with a diverse group of program participants and facilitators, including exhibiting artists, lecturers, performers, scholars, educators, writers, community organizers, and arts and culture organizations.

At the Studio Museum, fellows will be part of a Public Programs team tasked with designing public programs and community engagement opportunities for adult audiences. These include artist talks, hands-on art-making workshops, film screenings, book clubs, panel discussions, and artist-in-residence programs.

The ideal candidate is a nimble and creative thinker, willing to take on a wide range of programmatic and administrative responsibilities, and comfortable interfacing with the public on a regular basis. They will also be an active collaborator with a wide range of staff across both museums, who are comfortable working in a professional office environment and willing to embrace a full scope of relevant tasks. 

Requirements

The Museum Fellowship is a paid, two-year employment opportunity for individuals in the early stages of their career. The fellow must have a B.A. or graduate-level degree, ideally with a concentration in art history, curatorial studies, Africana studies, visual culture, or a related field. Candidates should either have previous involvement within an arts community or arts institution, or write about their desire and specific interests in museums.

Excellent written communications skills are required. A successful applicant functions well in a fast paced team environment, and can manage multiple projects at once with keen attention to detail, adaptability, and a positive attitude.

Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in cultural programming, writing, and research. Fellows must have an interest in actively engaging with the mission and scale of both partner institutions, the  Studio Museum and MoMA.

The Studio Museum of Harlem and The Museum of Modern Art Museum Fellowship Collaboration is committed to developing the next generation of thought leaders and museum professionals. We encourage individuals from all disciplines to apply.

Salary and Benefits

The salary is $43,680 per annum, plus benefits, which include medical and dental coverage and paid vacation time. Each fellow will receive $2,500 to cover travel expenses for one approved research trip, related to their field of interest at the midpoint of the fellowship. The program also offers per annum an additional $5,000 housing allowance. 

On-site Work

Please note that this position requires you to be present on-site at museum locations in New York City. While our offices have adopted a hybrid of remote work and on-site work for many positions, in this role you must be available to work on-site five days a week.

Application Process

As part of the application process, applicants must provide one PDF file that includes the following:

1. A cover letter specifying your interest in curatorial work, highlighting a particular area of professional or scholarly interest
2. Your résumé
3. At least one letter of recommendation
4. A writing sample of no more than five pages

Applications must be received by June 12, 2026. Please note: we will not review applications received after the deadline, and we will only review complete applications.

Fellowship begins: September 14, 2026

Fellowship ends: August 25, 2028

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).