Skirball Research Fellow at Skirball Cultural Center
Job Title: Skirball Research Fellow
Job Status: Full-time, two years
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Overview of Project Need
The Skirball Cultural Center seeks to engage a two-year Research Fellow to explore the ongoing and historic connections between Black and Jewish communities, both nationally and in Southern California. The fellowship’s focus will be on conducting an extensive historiography and literature review and identifying contemporary scholars, artists, collections, and institutions whose artifactual holdings or work reflect these histories. Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Research Fellow also will develop four exhibition concepts that align with the Skirball’s mission as a Jewish American cultural institution that celebrates discovery and hope, fosters human connections across generations and communities, and inspires visitors to help build a more just society.
Contract Timeframe: Summer 2024 through Summer 2026
Compensation: Research Fellow will receive a monthly stipend of $4,500-$5,800, based on prior academic and professional experience. Additional funds available for travel research.
Contract Scope, Deliverables, and Responsibilities
- Develop a detailed historiography and literature review of existing published work, including journal articles, monographs, conference presentations, exhibitions, and exhibition catalogues
- Conduct research on local, regional, and national collections
- Engage with scholars, institutional colleagues, and other content and community specialists
- Meet monthly with Chief Curator, and quarterly with Museum Director, to receive input and direction that guides further research
- Submit a monthly progress report to the Chief Curator and Museum Director
- Consult with Skirball curators and staff to gain insight into Skirball exhibition history and audiences, lessons learned from prior projects, and best practices
- Consult with Deputy Director to develop budget estimates for each proposed exhibition concept
- Generate four well-developed concepts for potential exhibitions on aspects of Black and Jewish history (for 1,000-square-foot or 2,500-square-foot galleries) that directly align with the Skirball’s mission and audience goals, each to be accompanied by a sample exhibition checklist as well as potential audiovisual and interactive components
- Submit a final proposal to the Museum Director with a comprehensive description of four concepts and accompanying materials outlined above in Spring 2026
Requirements
Contractor Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of Black and Jewish American history, culture, and art
- Demonstrated record of successfully researching community histories
- Familiarity with archives and collections related to Black and Jewish cultural history, material culture, and civil rights histories
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, flexibility, and attention to detail, deadlines, and follow-through
- Affinity for working consultatively and incorporating the input of others
- Personal resonance with the Skirball’s mission and values
- Preferred: prior experience curating exhibitions in community spaces or museums