Jobs
Postdoc. Research Fellow, Egyptian Art, Barnes Foundation
15.07.2019
The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, PA
Application deadline: Jul 15, 2019
The Barnes Foundation invites applications for a two-year position as a
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Egyptian Art.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow conducts in-depth research on the 43 Egyptian antiquities in the Barnes collection. Working collaboratively with a consulting senior scholar in Egyptian art, as well as with Barnes conservators, s/he produces new knowledge about this under-studied group of objects, placing each work in historical context, uncovering its original meaning or function, and integrating technical/ conservation study into the art-historical narrative. The Post-Doctoral Fellow delivers this new research in the form of scholarly ‘object white papers’ to be housed in the curatorial files. S/he also helps disseminate this new knowledge to both academic and general audiences by organizing scholars’ days, presenting public lectures, teaching one short class per year, and producing text for the website.
This is a two-year position.
Established in 1922 as an educational institution, the Barnes Foundation carries out its mission by promoting appreciation of the arts and horticultural science, through the preservation, presentation, and interpretation of the collections of Albert C. and Laura L. Barnes. Celebrated for its exceptional breadth, depth, and quality, the Barnes Foundation’s art collection includes works by some of the greatest European and American masters of impressionism, post-impressionist, and early modern art, as well as African sculpture, Pennsylvania German decorative arts, Native American textiles, metalwork, and more.
The Barnes Foundation engages diverse audiences through its exceptional collections and high-quality programs that reflect a broad range of periods and cultures and build on the founders’ innovative educational vision of transforming lives through the arts and horticulture.
Job Specific Competencies:
- Conducts research on Egyptian antiquities in the Barnes permanent collection. Builds up provenance, exhibition histories, and bibliographies; uncovers the original meaning, reception and function of individual objects.
- Works collaboratively with the conservation department to study each object's technical and material qualities, incorporating these observations into the art-historical narrative.
- Meets quarterly with the Consulting Senior Scholar to analyze findings and review progress.
- Writes 'object white papers,' or scholarly reports, summarizing new research. In many cases these papers will represent the only knowledge we have on an object.
- Produces accessible interpretive texts for the website based on research gathered in object white papers.
- Delivers public lectures and teaches one course per year for the adult education program.
- Regularly updates database (TMS) with new documentation and findings based on standards developed by the Research Coordinator.
- Educates volunteers and staff about objects in the collection through gallery talks and lectures.
- Works collaboratively with Collections; Archives and Library, Conservation; and Education.
- Helps organize scholars' day at the Barnes to share findings with specialists in the field.
- Communicates with colleagues in the field.
- Performs other duties as requested.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Ph.D. in Art History with a specialization in Egyptian art; applicants must be within 5 years of completion.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience using archival collections and working with objects
- Experience with collections management databases preferred, especially TMS
- Museum experience preferred
For more information on the application details see: https://www.barnesfoundation.org/about/careers-and-volunteering
Applications should be submitted not later than July 15, 2019 through the following link:
We’re committed to diversity and equal opportunity in our recruitment and hiring. Highly qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply for this position.
