Organizer Information
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the leading public research universities in the United States and is internationally recognized for its contributions to humanities, arts, sciences, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Founded in 1919, UCLA has developed a global reputation for academic excellence and innovative research practices across a broad range of disciplines. The university consistently ranks among the top higher education institutions worldwide and attracts scholars, artists, curators, and researchers from diverse international backgrounds.
The opportunity is hosted by UCLA’s Department of Art History within the Division of Humanities. The department is known for its rigorous academic research, interdisciplinary methodologies, and commitment to global art historical perspectives. UCLA’s Art History Department maintains strong collaborations with museums, libraries, cultural institutions, and research centers, providing scholars with extensive intellectual and archival resources.
This postdoctoral fellowship is further connected to the Center for 17th- and 18th-Century Studies and the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, both internationally respected hubs for early modern scholarship. These institutions support advanced research on early modern art, literature, cultural history, and intellectual exchange, while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration between scholars working in the humanities and related fields.
The fellowship aligns with the broader research initiative “Making Green Worlds: Early Modern Art and Ecologies of Globalization,” reflecting UCLA’s interest in ecological questions, environmental humanities, and global perspectives within early modern European art studies.
Title & Description
Hannah and Edward W. Carter Postdoctoral Fellow in Early Modern European Art (1400–1750)
The UCLA Department of Art History is currently accepting applications for the Hannah and Edward W. Carter Postdoctoral Fellow in Early Modern European Art (1400–1750), a prestigious two-year academic appointment beginning on October 1, 2026.
This postdoctoral position is intended for scholars whose research focuses on early modern European art and engages critically with ecological questions, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary methodologies. UCLA seeks applicants whose work demonstrates innovative research approaches and intellectual engagement across disciplines, geographies, and cultural frameworks.
The fellowship specifically welcomes projects that reconsider Europe within broader global contexts and explore themes related to ecology, globalisation, environmental humanities, material histories, and artistic exchange during the early modern period. Research connected to the initiative Making Green Worlds: Early Modern Art and Ecologies of Globalisation may be considered particularly relevant.
The selected fellow will join a vibrant academic environment composed of faculty members, graduate students, visiting researchers, and interdisciplinary scholars. Throughout the fellowship period, the scholar will have opportunities to develop their independent research agenda while actively participating in departmental seminars, conferences, workshops, and collaborative initiatives.
The Role Overview
- Position Title: Hannah and Edward W. Carter Postdoctoral Fellow in Early Modern European Art (1400–1750)
- Institution: UCLA Department of Art History
- Contract Type: Full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Programme Duration: Two years
- Start Date: October 1, 2026
- Salary Range: USD $69,073 – $74,281 annually
- Benefits: University-standard postdoctoral employment benefits included
- Reporting Structure: Works closely with faculty mentors and the Art History Department
- Research Focus: Early modern European art (1400–1750) with ecological and global perspectives
- Academic Environment: Department of Art History, Centre for 17th- and 18th-Century Studies, and William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Position & Tasks
The selected fellow will undertake a combination of research, teaching, collaboration, and academic engagement activities, including:
- Developing an independent research project related to early modern European art
- Participating regularly in departmental academic events and research discussions
- Collaborating with faculty members, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scholars
- Contributing to interdisciplinary dialogue across humanities fields
- Working with a faculty mentor on research advancement and professional development
- Potentially teaching one undergraduate course per academic year
- Co-organising and contributing to an interdisciplinary conference at the Clark Library and Centre during the second fellowship year
- Producing publishable academic research and public-facing scholarship
- Engaging with ecological and globalisation-related perspectives in early modern art history
Categories
- Art History
- Research
- Visual Arts
- Writing
- Curatorial Studies
- Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- European Art
- Academic Research
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Ecology & Art
- Museum Studies
- Literature & Theory
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to international applicants. Eligible candidates must:
- Hold a PhD in a relevant field
- Have completed their doctoral degree between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2026
- Specialises in early modern European art
- Demonstrate strong interdisciplinary research capabilities
- Show evidence of innovative methodologies and scholarly contribution
- Be capable of producing publishable research and public-facing scholarship
Applicants from diverse geographic, academic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
International applicants are welcome; however, selected fellows are responsible for arranging visas, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
Program Benefits
- Annual salary between USD $69,073 and $74,281
- University employment benefits
- Access to UCLA’s internationally respected research ecosystem
- Mentorship from faculty advisors
- Teaching experience within a leading academic institution
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Participation in conferences, workshops, and scholarly events
- Access to the Center for 17th- and 18th-Century Studies and the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
- Professional development opportunities
- International academic networking opportunities
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Two-page research proposal
- Reference check authorization release form
- Evidence of completion of a doctoral degree
- Dissertation thesis abstract
- Writing sample (maximum 35 pages)
- Contact information for two referees
Optional supporting materials may also be submitted if relevant.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Final Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: 1 October 2026
Location
UCLA Department of Art History, Los Angeles, United States
Additional Details
The fellowship emphasizes interdisciplinary scholarship and encourages applicants whose work intersects with environmental humanities, ecological thinking, globalization studies, and material culture.
The selected scholar will become part of an internationally active intellectual community with strong institutional support for collaborative research and public scholarship.
As part of UCLA's employment policies, finalists may be required to disclose prior misconduct findings related to harassment, discrimination, or unethical conduct.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants regardless of race, gender, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or other protected categories under state and federal law.