Lydia and Doug Shorenstein Research Fellow

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.  

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.  

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution. 

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, Temporary (18 months), approximately 3 days working onsite

SFMOMA’s Shorenstein Research Fellowship provides an emerging scholar with an eighteen-month opportunity to extend their range of expertise and research skills through immersion in the work of the Painting and Sculpture Department. Working closely with curators in the department, the Fellow will focus on two research projects: a forthcoming exhibition on postwar Northern California craft (75% time commitment) and a collection-building research focus on Indigenous and Native American artists (25% time commitment). The Shorenstein Fellow will work with associate curators in the Painting and Sculpture Department and will have regular check-ins to discuss progress with the Interim Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture. The Fellow will also participate in the general activities of the Painting and Sculpture department and attend department, division, and project-specific meetings.  

• Provide support for an upcoming exhibition on postwar Northern California craft. Conduct in-depth library, archival, and database research; produce research summaries and annotated bibliographies; and correspond with artists and estates.  
• Conduct research and outreach and cultivate relationships with artists, estates, galleries, and the broader community in support of a collection-building focus on Indigenous and Native American artists, with particular emphasis on Northern California. 
• Collaborate with colleagues in other divisions and departments as needed, such as Collections Management, Public Engagement, Conservation, and Exhibitions Management.  
• Provide administrative support as needed, including scheduling meetings, locating contact information, developing PowerPoint presentations, managing exhibition checklists, tracking loan requirements, and maintaining research files.  
• Foster respectful relationships with the community of artists, critics, dealers, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, trustees, and friends of the Museum. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.  

• M.A. in art history or related field required; A.B.D. or Ph.D. preferred 
• Expertise in 20th century California art required; knowledge of Indigenous and/or Native American art histories and practices preferred 
• Demonstrated experience conducting scholarly research 
• Strong organizational and communication skills 

• Resume
• Cover letter 
• Three references
• Writing sample, such as a journal article or seminar paper 

Job posting open date: 12/18/24

All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.    

We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed. 

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street. 

Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.

You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.

You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.

Salary : $67,261 - $75,000