Mellon Emerging Curatorial Postdoctoral Fellowship (Latin America) at the University of British Columbia

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) and the Department of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia invite applications for an Emerging Curatorial Postdoctoral Fellowship with a focus on Latin America to begin as early as June 1, 2016. The fellowship, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, is open to recent doctoral graduates for one year, with possibility of renewal for another year. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience; the minimum salary is $45,000 per year plus benefits. In addition, the postdoctoral fellow will be provided with some travel/research funds. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

The postdoctoral fellowship opportunity will afford a unique curatorial and research experience for an emerging curator, providing him/her with invaluable, hands-on curatorial experience. Appointed through the Department of Anthropology but based in the Curatorial and Interpretation Department at MOA, the fellow will be expected to spend a substantial part of their residency within MOA, reporting primarily to the Director of MOA.

The fellow will work closely with the Director of MOA on research and exhibitions on Latin America. The design of the exhibition would involve an intimate praxis between the curator, the fellow and technical staff as part of a process of experimentation, transforming gallery and other spaces into museological laboratories. The fellow will be expected to produce a publication exploring and highlighting the themes of the exhibition.

Furthermore, the fellow will be expected to research MOA’s Latin American collections and will be encouraged to develop and strengthen links between MOA, and other departments, and contribute to the intellectual life of the two host departments. Such contributions could take the form of research, lectures, seminars and participation in the museum’s public functions. The fellowship is expected to contribute substantially towards nurturing a dynamic and innovative research culture within MOA and the Anthropology Department.

Personnel specifications and requirements

Education

Awarded a doctorate in Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, Latin American Studies, Curatorial Studies, History, Museum Studies or related fields within the last 5 years.

Experience

  • Postgraduate research that demonstrates innovative and original thinking, and has relevancy to museums, especially to MOA, is required.
  • Experience working with Latin American collections and/or a variety of Latin American or Chicano communities and individuals is desirable.

Skills

  • Ability to speak and write Spanish or Portuguese.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal and time management skills.
Institution
Application date
Duration
1 year, renewable
Discipline
Humanities : Anthropology & Ethnology