[Hiring] ICAA Research and Metadata Development Fellow @Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Role Description

The 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

• Work will be performed remotely in a home, office, and libraries and archives.
• Ability to collect and analyze research and data as well as verbal information to reach logical recommendations and conclusions.
• Ability to work under deadlines and sometimes changing requirements or expectations in an appropriate manner.
• Job duties will include extended sitting, standing, and working with a computer.
• Must undergo and meet company standards for relevant criminal background and professional reference checks.

Anticipated Schedule

This is a one (1) year, full-time, remote appointment (35hrs/wk). The anticipated term is September 7th, 2026 to August 28th, 2027, but minor adjustments will be considered based on the selected candidate’s availability. The fellowship is structured to accommodate the selected Fellow’s academic commitments. Working schedule is flexible, but duties must be performed in accordance with deadlines and project milestones as defined and established by the ICAA.

Stipend

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. Please note that the MFAH is unable to offer tuition assistance or remission.

Benefits

• Paid time off, holidays, and volunteer time off.
• Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
• Professional development support and museum membership.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following materials to MFAH Careers by July 31st, 2026:

• Letter of interest describing your experience and professional goals as relevant to this opportunity (maximum 1500 words).
• Curriculum vitae including relevant graduate coursework completed.
• Academic writing sample (maximum 12-15 pages).
• The name and contact information for at least two (2) academic or other relevant professional references.

Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration. Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Equal Opportunities for All

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates whose experiences and perspectives will contribute meaningfully to our work and institutional culture.

The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: [email protected] .