Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion at Getty
Getty believes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion are essential to our excellence and to the execution of our mission. The Getty community values differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Job Summary
The Getty Research Institute (GRI) is seeking a 3-year full-time limited-term Research Specialist through June 2026. This position fosters and contributes to the GRI's 2-year planning phase for the Latin American and Latinx Art History Initiative (LALAI), which is a multi-departmental and multi-disciplinary project that started in July 2022.
Reporting to the three managers of the initiative and working closely with the initiative's Sr. Project Manager, the Research Specialist's primary task will be to assist the conception and development of the initiative during the planning phase and the early implementation phase. LALAI has the following key goals: to foster research and programming on Latin American and Latinx art, to make archival collections available digitally, and to build institutional partnerships. Work will entail research on existing GRI Special Collections related to these fields. Simultaneously LALAI will develop scholarly and institutional partnerships to strengthen a network of partnerships around these fields of study. A long-term goal is to generate greater access to digitized primary research materials at the GRI and at partner institutions. This goal fosters the activation of archives and collections through research, publications, and programming, which will significantly help to diversify the narrative about Latin American and Latinx art. Most importantly, LALAI will stimulate critical approaches to Latin American and Latinx art that reveal their complexities, tensions, and ambiguities.
The GRI's strong holdings of Latin American materials will be key in the development of the initiative, offering a foundation for research projects, digitization, partnership projects, and new acquisitions that will cover existing voids, such as Latinx art. The strengths of the Latin American collections include fifteenth- to eighteen-century rare books of colonial Latin America, books and prints of nineteenth century travelers in Latin America, a collection of nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century photography, archives on modern artists and materials related to conceptual art, and the provenance and historiography of Pre-Columbian art. They can be expanded to create a world-class collection that aligns with other significant collecting areas at the GRI around thematic areas, such as urbanism, abstraction, indigenism, or transregional art movements. We aim to focus these activities around three broad themes: Afro-Latino and Indigenous Perspectives, Off-Centers, and Latinx Art in LA.
The ideal candidate will have experience in project management, expert knowledge of the fields of Latin American and Latinx art history, and advanced research and editorial skills. Developing new and innovative approaches in consultation with the initiative's managers, the Research Specialist will conduct research in the GRI's Special Collections and, possibly, in Spanish and Portuguese-language archives in Latin America and elsewhere. They will also help to develop strategic partnerships and other long- and short-term relationships with arts institutions locally, nationally, and internationally. Additional advantageous skills include: experience working with databases, metadata, and digital projects and with colleagues in a team environment.
Major Job Responsibilities
Reports to co-managers of LALAI and works with them to achieve the initiative's short- and long-term goals.
Carries out research and planning for travel related to the initiative and participants in national or international research trips.
Assists co-managers in development of national and international institutional partnerships and facilitates cross-institutional partnerships.
Assists Sr. Project Manager with day-to-day operations, such as preparing meeting agendas and taking minutes, and maintaining project documentation and timeline, and developing budgets and contracts.
Helps conceive and realize programmatic activities (especially annual advisory committee meetings) related to LALAI.
Conducts archival research within GRI Special Collections to produce a comprehensive account of the GRI's Latin American and Latinx holdings (which will ultimately be used to define a digitization and metadata plan).
Works with metadata and databases to edit or contribute data or to conduct research.
Organizes Special Collections viewings and handles archival material.
In communication with LALAI co-managers and relevant GRI departments, plans digital outcomes of initiative.
Contributes original research in the form of presentations and/or scholarly publications.
Represents LALAI at public and private symposia, panels, workshops, and seminars, locally, nationally, and internationally; may publish research results.
Fosters communication and relationships across other departments and programs of Getty , as well as with external partners.
Maintains a broad network of local, national, and international contacts within the field of art history, and within the position's field(s) of specialization.
Qualifications
PhD in the field of art history, history, archaeology, or other related field; or MA with advanced work and research experience.
1-3 years experience in an academic setting, research institute, or art museum.
Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills essential for archival research and communication.
Expertise with Latin American and Latinx art; research interests in Afro-Latino and Indigenous art, Off-Centers, and Latinx Art in LA a plus.
Requirement
All employees must be fully-vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment. Exemptions from this requirement as a reasonable accommodation due to medical contraindication, disability or sincerely held religious belief or practice will be considered.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Excellent knowledge of advanced research techniques and methodologies in art historical scholarship or related fields.
Advanced research, writing, and editorial skills.
Experience with project management.
Experience working with databases, metadata, and digital projects, as well as Digital Humanities tools, a plus.
Ability to partner with teams across disciplines.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to develop a large professional network that is leveraged in the course of the work.
Advanced Spanish and/or Portuguese reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Benefits and Perks
Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:
Medical, Dental & Vision – Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan elected. Coverage starts on date of hire.
403(b) Plan – with up to 5% Employer Match
Getty contribution of 6% to 401(a) plan
Educational Assistance
Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
12 Paid Holidays
On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
Community Involvement
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
