Description

The Yale University Art Gallery seeks an emerging scholar with an interest in early American decorative arts, the history of collecting, and the history of museums for the Marcia Brady Tucker Curatorial Fellowship in American Decorative Arts. One of the museum’s core collections is the Mabel Brady Garvan Collection, formed by Francis P. Garvan, Yale 1897, and presented to Yale beginning in 1930. The fellowship’s main project will be to conduct research into the family and how the collection was assembled in anticipation of its centennial in 2030. The Fellow also assists in the daily functions of the department, including object research, collections maintenance, and participation in public programming such as tours of the Leslie P. and George H. Hume Furniture Study Center. The Fellow interacts with the public, visiting scholars, and students to exchange information on the collection. The Fellow has the opportunity to pursue their own research, particularly on subjects that draw from the Gallery collections. The Fellowship is a one-year position, with the possibility of renewal for a second year, open to those considering the museum profession and who have an advanced degree in art history, American studies, material studies, or associated fields. 

How to apply: 

Interested and qualified applicants must submit a CV with the names of three references and a cover letter that addresses the candidate’s interest in the fellowship. Email applications (in PDF format) to: Patricia E. Kane, Friends of American Arts Curator of American Decorative Arts (patricia.kane@yale.edu) by May 29. Please send your email with the subject line “Marcia Brady Tucker Fellowship Application.”

Expected start date: September 1, 2026

Salary: $54,500; a competitive benefits package, including health insurance; a $1,500 allowance for relocation expenses; and a modest professional development stipend. For more details, see https://postdocs.yale.edu/postdocs/benefits

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Requirements

Residence in the Greater New Haven area for the term of the fellowship is required. Work requires movement between the Gallery and curatorial offices in downtown New Haven and the Collection Studies Center at Yale’s West Campus, in West Haven.