Postdoctoral Research Fellow in African Art

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow conducts in-depth research on the 135 African objects in the Barnes collection. Working collaboratively with the Director of Research and Interpretation and Barnes conservators, the Fellow reconnects this group of objects to knowledge from their source communities, places them in their cultural and historical context, traces their provenance, and integrates new technical and conservation study into the understanding of the life of each object. The Fellow delivers this research through both internal and public-facing materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on African art in the Barnes permanent collection, building on the research published in African Art in the Barnes Foundation (2015).
• Perform provenance research and study the original meanings and functions of objects.
• Collaborate with the conservation department to study each object’s technical and material qualities, incorporating findings into the object narrative.
• Facilitate engagement and communication with Africa-based researchers, collaboratively building digital spaces for research and knowledge sharing with source communities.
• Travel to area museums and libraries to consult primary and secondary sources.
• Meet quarterly with the Director of Research and Interpretation to analyze findings and review progress.
• Produce accessible interpretive materials for the website based on research gathered.
• Deliver public lectures and teach courses for the adult education program.
• Train volunteers and staff about objects in the collection through gallery talks and lectures.
• Update the database (TMS) regularly with new documentation and findings based on standards developed by the Research Coordinator.
• Collaborate with Collections, Archives and Library, Conservation, and Education departments.
• Communicate with colleagues in the field.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Art History with a specialization in African art; or comparable experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience using archival collections and working with objects.
• Experience with collections management databases preferred, especially TMS.

Physical Demands

• Approximately 80%+ of time is spent seated while working at a desk.
• Ability to occasionally transport up to 25 lbs. of files, equipment, or supplies.
• Ability to move to access files, equipment, or supplies.
• Extended time on the computer.

Communication Requirements

• Clearly communicate in person, by phone, and by video conference.
• Communicate with others in conversational and written English.

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid position operating on the Barnes’ Philadelphia campus and a remote work setting. The expected start date is October 1, 2026, and the position is for two years.

Competencies

• Accountability: Prepares for work assignments and meetings, conducts thorough fact-finding and decision-making, admits mistakes, and informs others when unable to meet a commitment.
• Job Quality: Demonstrates job knowledge necessary for the position, produces timely and accurate work, and prioritizes responsibilities effectively.
• Service: Identifies problems and collaborates on effective solutions, interacts harmoniously with colleagues, and facilitates open communication.
• Leadership: Sets a good example, demonstrates ethical decision-making, and uses a solution-oriented, collaborative approach.
• Collaboration: Seeks win-win outcomes, shows a proactive and inclusive attitude, and contributes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.