Organizer Information

Villa I Tatti is the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, located in Florence, Italy. It offers a vibrant academic community for scholars and artists, fostering research and dialogue around the Italian Renaissance, medieval, and early modern periods. Villa I Tatti provides a unique opportunity for scholars to immerse themselves in a historic setting while advancing their research in collaboration with a distinguished academic community.

Title & Description

Post-Doctoral Fellow and Assistant to the Director for Academic Programs
Villa I Tatti invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Art History with a focus on the later medieval and early modern periods (1300-1700), including the Italian Renaissance's historiography and its impact on modern history. The position is a two-year appointment (with the possibility of a one-year renewal) and combines independent research with a leadership role in organizing and coordinating academic programs at Villa I Tatti. The role is based in Florence, Italy.

The Role Overview

  • Salary: $65,000 per year.
  • Contract Type: Italian fixed-term part-time employment contract with health benefits.
  • Reporting to: Paul E. Geier, Director of Villa I Tatti.
  • Fee: One-time relocation supplement of up to $1,500, and a maximum annual conference/research allowance of $5,000.
  • Curator/Program: Independent research project on Renaissance studies (aligned with I Tatti’s agenda), with responsibilities for coordinating academic events and liaising with fellows.
  • Other Benefits: Study space, access to the Biblioteca Berenson, weekday lunches, and academic networking opportunities.

Position & Tasks

  • Research & Academic Contribution:
    • Half of the position involves pursuing a personal research project in Renaissance studies or early modern Italian history.
    • The other half includes administrative support, program coordination, and collaboration with key staff members.
  • Key Tasks:
    • Organizing academic programming (seminars, fellow presentations, site visits, etc.).
    • Managing applications and liaising with fellows.
    • Coordinating the Harvard Undergraduate Summer Internship Program.
    • Assisting with academic grant proposals.
    • Collaborating with Harvard University departments for various activities.

Categories

  • Art History
  • Renaissance Studies
  • Medieval & Early Modern Art
  • Academic Program Coordination
  • Humanities-based Scholarly Activities

Eligibility

  • National/International: Open to international applicants.
  • Age Limit: Applicants should have completed their PhD between 2014-2024 (early stages of their academic career).
  • Qualifications:
    • A Ph.D. in Art History is required.
    • Fluency in English (written and oral) and proficiency in Italian (written and oral) are essential.
    • Strong scholarly interests in Renaissance studies.

Program Benefits

  • Salary: $65,000 annually.
  • Relocation Supplement: Up to $1,500 one-time support for moving expenses.
  • Conference & Research: $5,000 annual allowance for academic conferences or research activities.
  • Additional Benefits:
    • Full-time access to the Biblioteca Berenson.
    • Meals: Lunches provided on weekdays.
    • Health Benefits under an Italian fixed-term contract.
    • Academic Networking & Exposure through program coordination and liaison roles.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

  • CV (Curriculum Vitae).
  • Project Description (related to research focus in Renaissance or early modern studies).
  • Letters of Reference: Two letters sent directly to the specified email.
  • Submission Format: All documents should be in a single PDF file.

How to Apply

Applicants should send a CV and a project description in a single PDF file to info@itatti.harvard.edu. 

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 16 January 2026.
  • Start Date: The position starts in September 2026 and runs until June 2028 (with a potential for renewal for an additional year).
  • Residency Period: The position is for academic years 2026-2028, requiring in-residence work during the academic year (September–June), with duties continuing in July and August for program preparation.

Location

Villa I Tatti, Florence, Italy.

Additional Details

  • The Post-Doctoral Fellow is expected to be in residence in Florence during the academic year, with flexible summer duties.
  • Successful candidates will play a critical role in academic programming and contribute to the scholarly life of Villa I Tatti while advancing their own research.

Website Link: https://itatti.harvard.edu/job-opportunities/post-doctoral-fellow-and-assistant-director-academic-programs-announcement