The David W. and Mary S. Benfer Curatorial Research Fellow (1 Year)

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, located in Sarasota, Florida, is a department of Florida State University.

About the role

The David W. and Mary S. Benfer Curatorial Research Fellow is a 9 to 12-month visiting A&P appointment reporting to the Chief Curator. As a full-time member of The Ringling's Curatorial staff, the fellow will assist with the research, documentation, interpretation, and display of works in The Ringling's pre-1900 collection of European and American painting, sculpture, and works on paper.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support for curatorial work relating to The Ringling's permanent collections of pre-1900 European and American painting, sculpture, and works on paper, including the ongoing multi-year project to reinstall the original 21 permanent collection galleries, and upcoming exhibitions, programs, and publications.
• Provide research and general support for day-to-day curatorial work relating to these collections.
• Assist in documenting the permanent collections and responding to inquiries about them under the guidance of the Chief Curator.
• Assist in evaluating requests for loans of work from the permanent collection, artworks for potential acquisition, and substitutions of artwork in galleries.
• May assist with grant proposal preparation and grant applications.
• Provide general curatorial research and planning support for projects involving the permanent collections.
• May lead gallery talks and/or give lectures about curatorial work and research findings.
• May pursue publishing opportunities related to their work.
• Participate in special projects and other duties that support museum operations as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field and two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Art History.
• Advanced reading knowledge of one or more European languages.
• Knowledge of collection database programs such as TMS.
• Advanced research, writing, and communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Ability to:
  • Prioritize and organize work to meet project deadlines.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Understand and interpret terminology related to area of work.

Pay

The salary for this one-year appointment is $51,500.

Schedule

• Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one-hour meal period.

Anticipated start date: January 2027.

Work location: Sarasota, FL.

This is a one-year, time-limited A&P position requiring successful completion of a criminal history background check.