Summary

The International Center for the Arts of the Americas (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

• In collaboration with ICAA staff, research and develop cataloguing metadata, including name authorities and topic descriptors, and generate database records for incoming documents
• Under the guidance of ICAA staff, 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
• As needed, 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

Key Details

Compensation: The ICAA Research and Metadata Development Fellow will receive a $35,000 award and $3,500 allowance for research-related travel. The fellow is also eligible to receive benefits from the MFAH.

Term: September 7, 2026 – August 28, 2027

Schedule: FT (35 hours/week)

Format: Remote

Deadline: 07/31/2026

Eligibility

• 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
• Must currently be eligible to work in the United States

About

The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package.

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Tagged as: Library & Archives, Remote