Calling all early-career scholars with a passion for museum work, curatorial excellence, and rich artistic heritage — The Metropolitan Museum of Art is now accepting applications for its prestigious Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellowship for the 2026–2028 cycle, with a special focus on Egyptian Art and Islamic Art.
This two-year, fully compensated fellowship is a rare opportunity to not only dive into curatorial training at one of the world’s leading museums but also to help shape the storytelling and scholarly interpretation of The Met’s iconic collections.
What’s in the Fellowship Package?
Fellows receive:
- A two-year fully funded curatorial position at The Met
- Mentorship from experienced curators
- Access to global academic networks
- Participation in exclusive programs like Research Out Loud: Met Fellows Present
- Opportunity to contribute to major exhibitions and gallery re-installations
- Compensation package commensurate with museum fellowship standards (exact amount available through official fellowship channels).
Where Is It Offered?
This fellowship is hosted by The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York City, USA — home to one of the most comprehensive art collections in the world.
Which Departments Are Hiring Fellows in 2026–2028?
1# Egyptian Art Fellowship
Engage in the reimagining of The Met’s Old Kingdom galleries. Work alongside curators to study, trace, and reinterpret masterpieces from Egypt’s early dynasties to the end of the third millennium BCE. This hands-on curatorial experience will reshape the narrative of Egypt’s ancient artistic legacy for a global audience.
Ideal Profile:
- PhD in Egyptology or related field (completed within last 5 years)
- Passion for material culture and museum practice
- Language proficiency in German and French.
2# Islamic Art Fellowship
Become part of the upcoming blockbuster exhibition: Jahangir: Emperor, Connoisseur, Naturalist of Mughal India, 1605–27. Work closely on exhibition development—from historical research to cataloging, label writing, provenance tracing, and digital curation. Your research will enrich a global understanding of Mughal art and aesthetics.
Ideal Profile:
- PhD in Mughal or Persian art history (preferably in painting, carpets, or textiles)
- Strong command of Persian and Devanagari
- Familiarity with Indo-Persian art production, connoisseurship, and scholarly writing.
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a PhD in a relevant field
- Must have earned PhD within the past five (05) years
- Must have valid US work authorization for the fellowship duration
- Applicants of all nationalities are encouraged to apply, but should ensure visa eligibility independently.
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: Friday, October 17, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET
- Notification: By the last Friday in February 2026
- Fellowship Period: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2028
All materials must be submitted in English via The Met’s online application portal https://www.metmuseum.org/opportunities/fellowships/andrew-w-mellon-postdoctoral-curatorial-fellowship.