Organizer Information

The Fundación Gondra Barandiarán, in partnership with the Museo Nacional del Prado, supports advanced academic research through its postdoctoral grants. Their joint initiative offers emerging and established scholars the opportunity to conduct in-depth research at the Prado’s Centro de Estudios, leveraging the museum’s rich collections, archives, library, and scholarly community. This collaboration underscores both institutions’ commitment to fostering rigorous art-historical research and enhancing understanding of the Prado’s heritage.

Title & Description

Programa de Ayudas a la Investigación Postdoctoral Fundación Gondra Barandiarán – Museo Nacional del Prado (2025)
The program awards two postdoctoral research grants, aimed at encouraging doctoral researchers to undertake a three-month residency at the Prado’s Centro de Estudios. Successful applicants will develop original research projects that deepen and broaden knowledge of the Prado’s collections and/or institutional history.

Role Overview

  • Contract / Grant Type: Postdoctoral research grant (beca), not a permanent position.
  • Duration: 3 months (1 October – 31 December 2026)
  • Number of Grants: Two (one senior, one junior).
  • Reporting / Mentorship: Researchers will be integrated into the Centro de Estudios at the Prado, working under guidance, participating in seminars, and engaging in scholarly activities.

Position & Tasks

  • Research & Project Development: Create and execute a research project (max. 1,000-word proposal) focused on either Prado’s collections or its institutional history.
  • Use of Museum Resources: Make use of the Prado’s collection, archives, library, and documentation center.
  • Academic Participation:
    • Participate in the internal academic life (seminars, workshops) of the Centro de Estudios.
    • For junior researchers: lead a “Seminario de Jóvenes Investigadores” or similar activity.
    • Present research (e.g., in talks or conferences) was proposed to the Head of the Centro de Estudios.
  • Publication: Prepare an article/report for the Boletín del Museo del Prado about the research carried out.
  • Mentorship / Peer Engagement: Provide advice / engage with other researchers or fellows at the Centro.
  • Working Hours: 6 hours per day, Monday to Friday (morning schedule) unless otherwise agreed.

Categories

  • Art History / History of Art
  • Museum Studies / Museum Research
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Humanities Research

Eligibility

  • Hold a doctoral degree in Art History or a closely related humanities discipline.
  • Age criterion:
    • Senior: 40 years or older at the end of the application period.
    • Junior: under 40 at the same cut-off.
  • Language: Proficiency in Spanish (spoken & written).
  • Other requirements:
    • Not to be a current staff member of the Museo del Prado.
    • Must not have previously received a Gondra Barandiarán–Prado postdoctoral grant.
    • Be up-to-date with tax or social security obligations, if applicable.

Program Benefits

  • Stipend / Financial Support:
    • Senior grant: € 4,000/month → € 12,000 total.
    • Junior grant: € 3,000/month → € 9,000 total.
  • Access to Museum Resources: Working space, the Prado’s collections, its documentation center, library, and archival materials.
  • Academic & Professional Networking: Integration into the Prado’s scholarly community via the Centro de Estudios.
  • Publication Opportunity: Potential to publish in the Boletín del Museo del Prado.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

  1. Doctoral certificate (proof of PhD) in Art History or related discipline.
  2. Research project proposal (max. 1,000 words) in Spanish, including:
    • Description of the project, its originality and relevance to the Prado;
    • Objectives to be achieved during the residency;
    • How the Prado’s resources will be used;
    • A timeline/schedule for the 3-month stay.
  3. Curriculum Vitae in Spanish.
  4. Two Letters of Recommendation:
    • One from a museum professional (not from Prado staff).
    • One from an academic (university professor or researcher; not from Prado conservators).
  5. Justification of Merit: Evidence of previous research activity (publications, projects, etc.) in Art History or related.
  6. Other Documentation (if needed): Proof of compliance with tax / social security obligations, or any required declarations.

How to Apply

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
  • Grant Period / Residency: 1 October – 31 December 2026

Location

Madrid, Spain

Additional Details

  • Obligations of Grantees: Selected researchers must:
    • Participate in the academic life of the Centro de Estudios (seminars, internal courses)
    • Junior researchers must lead a “Seminario de Jóvenes Investigadores” or equivalent.
    • Propose and deliver at least one public or internal activity (lecture, talk) in the Prado.
    • Write an article on their research for the Boletín del Museo del Prado.
    • Acknowledge both Fundación Gondra Barandiarán and Museo del Prado in their CV and future publications, referencing the grant.
  • Legal / Administrative Notices: The grant does not establish an employment relationship or employment contract with the Prado.
  • Publication of the Call: The formal legal text and bases are available via the Prado and in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE).

Website Link: https://masdearte.com/convocatorias/

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