A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship – Washington DC

About Position/Job

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts (CASVA) at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, invites applications for the prestigious 2026–2028 A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship. This two-year residential appointment supports outstanding early-career scholars in the history, theory, and criticism of the visual arts across all periods and regions. Fellows dedicate the first year to leading an intensive seminar for predoctoral researchers, emphasising methodological innovation, and the second year to teaching a university course at a partner institution. With access to the National Gallery’s renowned library, archives, and collections, as well as housing and office space in the East Building, fellows benefit from an exceptional intellectual environment. The fellowship is designed to foster cutting-edge research, publication, and academic collaboration in the visual arts.

Position/Job Details

Position: A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow
Institution: Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, National Gallery of Art
Department: Research – Visual Arts & Humanities
Research Field: Visual Arts (history, theory, criticism)
Location: Washington, DC, United States
Number of posts: Multiple (annual competition)
Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral Fellowship
Start Date (Anticipated): September 2026
Working Hours: Full-time residential fellowship
Salary/Stipend: $55,000 per academic year + allowances (insurance, relocation, travel)
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

History of visual arts (all periods)
Theory of visual arts
Criticism of visual arts
Methodological approaches to art history

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in art history or related field awarded between 15 October 2020 and 15 October 2025
Strong research and publication record in visual arts

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience in teaching or leading seminars
Innovative methodological approaches in art history
Engagement with interdisciplinary or cross-cultural perspectives

Key Responsibilities

Year 1: Design and direct a week-long seminar for CASVA predoctoral fellows
Year 2: Teach a course at a neighbouring university
Conduct original research and prepare publications in chosen field
Participate actively in the scholarly community at CASVA, including lectures, colloquia, and symposia

Application Process

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through the CASVA online portal.
Required Documents:

Research narrative
Proposed seminar topic (predoctoral level)
Proposed university course topic
Copy of a published article or book chapter
Three letters of recommendation

Selection: Applications reviewed by an external selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to Washington, DC, in January 2026 for interviews.