Postdoctoral Fellowship in Contemporary Native Arts and Indigenous Research

 Summary

The IAIA Research Center for Contemporary Native Arts (RCCNA) invites applications for a one-year, in-residence Postdoctoral Fellowship supporting innovative research in Native American Art History, Indigenous Studies, or related fields. This fellowship provides dedicated time, mentorship, and resources for an emerging scholar to advance an independent research project while contributing to the intellectual and creative life of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA).

Grounded in IAIA’s mission to empower creativity and leadership in Indigenous arts and cultures through higher education, lifelong learning, and community engagement, this fellowship supports access to the IAIA archives and collections, builds opportunities for collaborative research, and encourages meaningful engagement with students, staff, faculty, artists, and local communities. The fellowship is designed to support both scholarly development and public-facing research that contributes to Indigenous arts, histories, and futures.

Scholars whose work engages Indigenous methodologies, collections-based research, or community-centered approaches are especially encouraged to apply. 

- Deadline to apply: April 13th as the priority review deadline. 

- Housing stipend

- IAIA meal plan

- $5,000 research travel support

Application Materials

• Cover letter describing research  goals, how the IAIA RCCNA will support your work (2 pages max)
• Curriculum Vitae highlighting courses developed and delivered
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy(2 pages max)
• Research Proposal (3 pages max)
• One Letter of Recommendation

 Responsibilities

This is a full-time, in-residence appointment based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

The Fellow will:

• Pursue an independent research project utilizing IAIA’s archives and collections
• Teach one course per semester (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027) in the Native American Art History degree  program
• Meet regularly with the RCCNA Director and department Chair for mentorship and professional development
• Participate in the academic, artistic, and community life of IAIA, RCCNA, and the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA)
• Deliver one public presentation for the IAIA community
• Contribute to RCCNA’s public scholarship by developing a short research essay for the RCCNA website
• Before the conclusion of the fellowship term, the fellow will offer a presentation or knowledge-sharing activity with an associated Indigenous community or partner institution

Fellows are encouraged to use the appointment to advance publications, exhibitions, creative work, or other scholarly outputs that support their long-term career goals.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. within the past five years in:

1. Native American Art History
2. Indigenous or Native American Studies
3. Art History
4. Museum/Archives Studies
5. or a closely related field

• Demonstrated experience working with Tribal Nations, communities, or organizations.