Summary

The Center for Netherlandish Art (CNA) seeks applicants for the CNA Fellowship Program for object-based research related to Netherlandish art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. These Fellowships are full-time appointments for a period of 6, 9 or 12 months, beginning in fall of 2027. The CNA is committed to fostering a broad and diverse international applicant pool and we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Fellowship candidates who require visa sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered on an equal basis in accordance with applicable laws and our organization’s policy. The museum also assists successful candidates with the visa application process, depending on category of visa.

The CNA Fellowship Program provides the opportunity to pursue an independent research project, determined by the fellow, related to the MFA’s expansive collections of Netherlandish art, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, works on paper, early books, and more. Research topics may focus on Dutch and/or Flemish art and culture of the long 17th century (circa 1560-1800), including contacts and exchanges between the Netherlands and other global regions. Interdisciplinary approaches are not required, but are encouraged and supported.

CNA Fellowships are open to a range of educational levels from MA graduates to recent postdoctoral scholars. Proposed projects might address, for example, research for submission of a PhD proposal, PhD dissertation work, and/or preparation of a publication.

Key Details

12-Month Fellowship Salary: $53,616 (pre-doctoral fellows); $58,935 (postdoctoral fellows)

Term: 6 months; 9 months; 12 months (starts Fall 2027)

Schedule: FT

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Eligibility

Qualifications

• Must have completed a master’s degree, be currently pursuing a doctoral degree, or have completed a doctoral degree within the last five years. Areas of specialization may include but are not limited to history of art, architecture, decorative arts and design, technical art history, conservation science, cultural studies, history of science, philosophy, sociology, visual studies, literary studies, religious studies, transatlantic studies, gender and sexuality studies, and/or related fields.
• Commitment to public scholarship, and eagerness to participate in training opportunities at the Museum to share expertise with broad audiences
• Proven research capabilities, academic credentials and writing skills
• Strong command of English and comfort working in an English-language environment. Dutch language skills are a plus, but not mandatory.

About

The MFA is open. Open to new ideas that broaden our perspectives. Open to every visitor, from the curious to the lifelong learner. Open to new possibilities discovered through art.

Showcasing ancient artistry and modern masterpieces, local legends and global visionaries, our renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works tells the story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. We welcome diverse perspectives, both within the artwork and among our visitors.

Return to search

Tagged as: Research