Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Associate Curator for Asian Art

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The Harvard Art Museums seek a leader in the field of Japanese art history for the position of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Associate Curator of Asian Art. As a member of the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, the Rockefeller Associate Curator will steward a growing collection of c. 9,000 paintings, prints, and three-dimensional works. The incoming Rockefeller Associate Curator will contribute to the overall institutional vision for the Harvard Art Museums, bringing fresh perspectives into the museums’ presentation of Japanese art, expanding existing narratives and frameworks of inquiry through their scholarship, exhibitions, and engagement with colleagues across the art museums, the university campus, in Japan, and internationally. 

This is a five-year term position. Please see the Additional Information below.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Responsible for the care, documentation, research, presentation, publication, and strengthening of the museums’ holdings of Japanese art. Expected to be an intellectual authority on, and to assume the full range of curatorial responsibility for, the collection of Japanese art, which spans from the Neolithic to the present, and to advise on related matters at the university when needed. Crafts an ambitious exhibition, research, and publication program for Japanese art and works closely with students and faculty to foster a significant and sustained curricular use of the collection for both undergraduate and graduate teaching. Works within a team environment and promotes dialogue, engagement, and collaboration with colleagues within the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art and with other curatorial areas that have overlapping or related collection holdings and expertise. Works closely with collectors and museum supporters, solicits gifts for the collection, recommends purchases, and assumes an active role in soliciting funds for museum purposes, including acquisitions, exhibitions, conservation projects, and publications, from individuals, foundations, federal agencies and other sources. 

The Collection
The Harvard Art Museums’ collection of Japanese art comprises about 9,000 objects, including c. 5,000 prints. The collection has notable strengths in medieval and early modern narrative arts (including the oldest complete illustrated cycle of Genji paintings), Edo period paintings (the promised gift of the Feinberg Collection), and woodblock prints. It also includes important examples of Kamakura-period Buddhist art. Recent acquisitions have focused on Nihonga painting and contemporary transglobal arts in a variety of media, as well as prints by modern Japanese women artists.

Physical Requirements: This position is primarily conducted in an office environment. There will be local travel to other Harvard Art Museums sites in Cambridge and Somerville, MA.

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Ph.D. in art history, East Asian Studies, or a related field, with scholarly expertise in the history of Japanese art up to present times, and a strong understanding of its media and techniques; minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible curatorial, teaching, and/or field-related experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Demonstrated record of scholarship and achievement in the field of Japanese art history; experience in an academic museum and/or a demonstrated commitment to fostering appreciation and understanding of Japanese art through teaching is a plus; successful experience working with donors, collectors, and museum patrons a plus; commitment to teamwork and creating and sustaining an inclusive work environment; excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as fiscal management skills and experience.

• Appointment End Date: 5-year term position with the possibility of a one-or two-year extension
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Consideration may be given to sponsor certain visa types.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other Information:
  • Application reviews will begin on February 5, 2026. However, applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
  • Please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of three referees. Additional materials may be requested later.
  • Harvard University requires pre-employment screening.
  • The Harvard Art Museums employ associate curators and full curators. The associate-level position—requiring the minimum qualifications as noted above—is a 5-year term position with the possibility of a one- or two-year extension and/or promotion to full curator after demonstration of progression and accomplishment. A full curator position is a regular position with no term. It requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience. We welcome all interested candidates.
  • This position has a 3-month orientation and review period. 

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

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