ICAA Research and Metadata Development Fellow

Fellowship Description

The ICAA is offering a Research and Metadata Development Fellow the opportunity to assist in the research, processing, and publication of primary source documents for the ICAA’s Documents Project digital platform. The selected fellow will accumulate expertise on major figures related to Latinx art and art movements; develop advanced archival research skills; gain familiarity with the systems and best practices for digital archive projects; and learn to work within a highly collaborative research model. Additionally, the fellow will develop cataloguing skills using controlled vocabularies as well as the creation of project-specific, culturally competent metadata.

Primary Responsibilities and Opportunities

• Under the guidance of ICAA staff, research and develop cataloguing metadata, including name authorities and topic descriptors, and generate database records for incoming documents
• Research selected documents and write their accompanying synopses and annotations for publication to the ICAA Documents Project
• As needed, help to identify and/or liaise with potential collaborating repositories
• Perform on-site research in collaborating repositories
• Propose, develop, and publish texts resulting from their project research
• Participate in weekly Latinx Papers Project-team meetings as well as workshops and other enrichment activities
• As needed, assist with administrative duties related to the project

Qualifications

• Student currently enrolled in a PhD program in art history or related field. Applicants who recently received a MLIS degree (conferred within 2025-2026) are also strongly encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated background or expertise in Latinx art is required. Related knowledge of modern and contemporary Latin American art is desired.
• Proficiency in Spanish (verbal and written) is required.
• Familiarity with or interest in cataloguing, metadata, and controlled vocabularies.
• Familiarity with content management systems specific to archival and cultural heritage institutions such as Omeka.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• High attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.
• Previous experience working with archives and special collections is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/365.