Postdoctoral Associate in Museum Education

The Yale Center for British Art (YCBA) is offering a Postdoctoral Associate position of one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years’ duration, in the Education department. This position is for scholar-educators interested in how museums transform research into accessible, compelling, and inclusive teaching and public engagement initiatives that resonate with broad and diverse publics. 

Working closely with Education department staff, the Postdoctoral Associate in Museum Education will explore how museum pedagogies and object-based teaching can make historic collections and contemporary artistic practices relevant and meaningful to audiences with varied backgrounds, levels of familiarity, and interests. The postholder will support and expand the YCBA’s vibrant in-gallery teaching program for visitors of all ages, with particular emphasis on undergraduate and graduate engagement. A key part of the role will involve contributing to programs and initiatives that respond to the needs of, or are co-created with, partners in New Haven and surrounding areas. Through this work, the postholder will gain experience crafting interpretative materials, learning experiences, and programs that activate the YCBA’s collections and exhibitions for a wide range of visitors.

The successful candidate will also dedicate one day per week to independent research, supported by the museum’s dynamic scholarly community of graduate fellows, postdoctoral researchers, visiting fellows, and the broader resources of Yale University. A specialization in British art is not required for this position; we welcome applicants from any field whose perspectives expand and enrich museum teaching, public humanities, and object-based learning. 

Qualifications:

• PhD in an object-focused field (such as art history, archaeology, anthropology, material culture studies, American studies, or Black studies) or in education with substantial experience in object-based teaching and learning.
• Demonstrated interest in museum pedagogies and inclusive educational practices.
  Interest in using diverse ways of knowing to interpret museum collections.
• Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to engage varied audiences through writing, teaching, and dialogue.
• Excellent collaboration and organizational capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team-based environment.
• High degree of professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and proven ability to meet deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with community-engaged scholarship or public programming.
• Fluency in Spanish to support the YCBA’s commitment to become an increasingly bilingual English/Spanish institution.

How to Apply:

The closing date for applications is Monday, February 23, 2026. For salary information, please refer to Yale’s compensation policies for postdoctoral appointments. The intended start date for this position is May 2026, and will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Application materials should be sent by email and must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for two professional references. Please send all application materials to ycba.education@yale.edu with the subject line “Postdoctoral Associate Application.” For enquiries about the position, please contact Hannah Kinney, Head of Education, at hannah.kinney@yale.edu.