Research Fellow, Performance

Duration: Full-time 12-month term (renewable for a second term)
Reports to: Director of Archives and Digital

About the Foundation
The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF) honors the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg by fostering interdisciplinary creativity and supporting artists, scholars, and change-makers. Focus areas include expanding access to Rauschenberg’s work, nurturing emerging artists through residencies, and promoting art’s role in social issues.

Position Summary
Robert Rauschenberg Foundation is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Research Fellow with a focus on Robert Rauschenberg's thirteen performance works, choreographed from 1963 and 1967. The fellow will engage in in-depth research and analysis creating and enhancing comprehensive documentation of each event as well as contributing to a complete understanding of the Foundation’s related holdings. This position offers an opportunity to work closely with archivists, curators, and scholars to advance the institution's commitment to understanding Rauschenberg’s performance history.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research on Robert Rauschenberg's thirteen performance works.
• Establish guidelines and tools for documenting historic works of performance based on current best practices.
• Survey and enhance current archival records of performance-related materials within the Foundation Archives, including photographs, film and video recordings, and ephemera.
• Research, locate, and document critical performance-related materials in external repositories.
• Develop and create of performance-related documentation, including but not limited to annotated bibliographies, research guides, and catalog records.
• Assist in identification and original cataloguing of Rauschenberg's performance props and costumes to ensure their proper preservation and accessibility.
• Engage with artists, scholars, and community partners to foster dialogue around Rauschenberg's performances.
• Present research findings in internal and public forums, such as lectures, panel discussions, and academic conferences.

Qualifications & Skills Required

• Master’s or PhD degree in Art History, Performance Studies, Cultural Studies, Library Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in research, writing, and cataloguing.
• Strong understanding of contemporary art practices and performance history.
• Knowledge of Rauschenberg's artwork and interdisciplinary approach.
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with archival research methods and documentation.
• Understanding of FileMaker or similar collection management databases a plus.

Work Environment

This is a fully in-person role to be based at RRF's office in New York, NY. The role will also require conducting research in local and national archives, which will involve travel or digital access to off-site collections.

ADA Specifications

• Requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office settings.
• The ability to traverse stairs.
• This role requires local and national travel (10-15%).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated compensation for this position is between $62,000 to $72,000 per annum depending on experience and level of education. The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical and dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. We also provide generous employer contributions for vision coverage, life insurance, STD, LTD and exceptional retirement savings options with an industry-leading employer matching contribution. Additionally, the Foundation offers a robust charitable giving matching program, tuition reimbursement and generous time-off policies to support work-life balance.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining their research interests and relevant experience.
• A current CV/resume.
• Two writing samples (academic or public-facing) and/or cataloguing records.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is September 5, 2025.