We welcome international, independent research proposals which open new perspectives on the Rijksmuseum’s collection, its history and activities. The purpose of the Fellowship Programme is to encourage and support scholarly investigation, and to contribute to academic discourses while strengthening bonds between the museum and universities. The programme enables highly talented candidates to base part of their research at the Rijksmuseum, and offers access to the museum’s expertise, collections, library and laboratories. Furthermore, the programme facilitates opportunities for Fellows to engage in workshops and excursions to encourage the exchange of knowledge – both amongst themselves and the broader museum audience.

Applications are invited for:

The Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship for art historical research

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation enables PhD candidates to base part of their research at the Rijksmuseum. Applications should include an outline of the proposed research, related to the Rijksmuseum's collection, its history and activities. A suitable project might entail the study of art objects as artistic or historical sources or object-related archival research. The focus of research may encompass any of the museum’s varied holdings, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, prints, drawings, photography and historical artefacts. The Fellowship will preferably result in a publication, the content and form of which will be decided by the Fellow and his/her academic supervisors in consultation with the Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum will provide joint working space for the Fellows, in order to stimulate an exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. Access will be given to all relevant resources in the museum, such as the Research Library Collections, collection documentation and the Rijksmuseum’s archives.

Eligibility

• The Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship supports individuals engaged in postgraduate university studies leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (DSc) degree, whose research is compatible with the Fellowship position. The candidate has to have a university-affiliated supervisor.
• Fellowships are open to candidates of all nationalities and with varied specialisms. They may include researchers specialising in the fields of art history, cultural history or related studies.
• Candidates should have proven research capabilities, academic credentials and excellent command of the English language – both written and spoken. Proficiency in a second language (ideally Dutch or German) is preferred but not required.

Funding

Fellowship stipends are awarded to help support a Fellow’s study and research efforts during the tenure of their appointment. The stipend of €33,000 (subject to taxes and deductions) is for a period of twelve months commencing 1 September 2019, the start of the academic year. This is a one-year Fellowship, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year. The Fellow’s progress and plans will be assessed to determine if the renewal of the Fellowship for a second year is desirable.

The Fellowship will allow for limited travel for research in art collections and archives elsewhere in Europe to a maximum value of €5,000 annually. The Rijksmuseum will cover visa fees for the Fellow, but not for dependents.

Application and procedure

Complete applications have to be submitted through our online application system. Please follow the link below to learn about the required documents for application.

Apply here

The Rijksmuseum is committed to actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We therefore encourage all potential candidates to apply.

The closing date for all applications is 20 January 2019, at 6:00 p.m. (Amsterdam time/CET), but candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience. No applications will be accepted after the deadline. All applications must be submitted online and in English. Applications or related materials delivered via email, postal mail, or in person will not be accepted.

Selection will be made by an international committee in February 2019. The committee consists of eminent scholars in the relevant fields of study from European universities and institutions, and members of the curatorial staff of the Rijksmuseum. Applicants will be notified by 15 March 2019. All Fellowships will start in September 2019.

Further information

• For questions concerning the application procedure, contact Marije Spek, Coordinator of the Fellowship Programme (m.spek@rijksmuseum.nl), +31 (0)20-6747395.
• For questions concerning the Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship, contact Frits Scholten, Senior Curator of Sculpture (f.scholten@rijksmuseum.nl).

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL"  below.