Remote ICAA Research and Metadata Development Fellow

Call for Applications Title: ICAA Research and Metadata Development Fellow, Latinx Art Academic Level: PhD student in art history or related field OR recent graduate of a MLIS program (must be conferred between June 2025 and June 2026) International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA) Work Location: Remote Project Description Organized by the International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA), ¡Aquí Estamos!: Latinx Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is a multi-year, institution-wide initiative that is opening critical pathways for the study and exhibition of Latinx art and artists within a major encyclopedic museum. Key to the initiative are emerging researchers who are well-positioned to make significant contributions to the expanding field of Latinx art. ¡provides hands-on training and mentorship for a cohort of future museum and research professionals focused on Latinx art. These fellowship opportunities recognize the importance of early-career exposure to curatorial, conservation, and museum interpretation practices as well as archival and primary source research in cultivating the next generation of scholars and museum professionals. initiative, the Latinx Papers Project aims to significantly expand the representation of Latinx art within the ICAA’s groundbreaking Documents of Latin American and Latino Art digital platform. The Latinx Papers Project is focused on the preservation and dissemination of primary source materials —correspondence, manifestos, exhibition reviews, exhibition pamphlets, journal articles, etc.— that are critical to the field of Latinx art. A targeted selection of documents will be culled from key repositories across the United States. Participating ICAA research fellows work with the ICAA headquarters and collaborating repositories across the U.S. to digitize, research, annotate, and publish thousands of new documents to the Documents Project site 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. 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. 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 Student currently enrolled in a PhD program in art history or related field. 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 Previous experience working with archives and special collections is required Proficiency in Microsoft Office/365 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 Job duties will include extended sitting, standing, and working with a computer This is a one (1) year, full-time, remote appointment (35hrs/wk). 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. The ICAA Research and Metadata Development Fellow will receive a $35,000 award and $3,500 allowance for research-related travel. Please note that the MFAH is unable to offer tuition assistance or remission. 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 31 st , 2026: 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. 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; The MFAH is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of Latin American and Latino art. Over the last 25 years, the Museum built a core collection of post-World War II modern and contemporary art with over 850 emblematic works in all media from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the United States. In 2001, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), established the Latin American Art Department and its research arm, the International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA). The mission of the ICAA is to collect, exhibit, research, and educate audiences about the diverse artistic production of Latin American and Latinx communities. The ICAA organizes research-based exhibitions, maintains a dynamic publications program, and develops research and education projects that complement the MFAH’s renowned collections of Latin American and Latino art. The ICAA’s cornerstone initiative is the Documents of Latin American and Latino Art digital archive project, which is dedicated to recovering primary source documents and critical texts related to Latin American and Latinx art and making them accessible to a worldwide audience. 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. MFAH