The Art Institute of Chicago’s collection of prints and drawings comprises works on paper from the thirteenth century to the present. The collection holds approximately 15,000 drawings, 40,000 prints, 1,000 illustrated books, and continues to grow with a focus on global practitioners. Particular strengths are French 19th-century prints and drawings; British, French, and Italian drawings; strong collections of Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Francisco Goya, and James McNeill Whistler, and twentieth-century American prints. The Glore Study Room welcomes scholars, students, and the general public, hosting classes and individual visitors and Jean and Steven Goldman Galleries present three exhibitions per year, focusing on the strengths of the collection.

ABOUT THE POSITION
Under the direction of the Anne Vogt Fuller and Marion Titus Searle Curator, the Research Associate supports the curator in the preparation of the exhibition, Willem de Kooning: The Drawings, tentatively scheduled to open Winter, 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Conduct research on Willem de Kooning’s oeuvre, maintaining close contact with the Willem De Kooning Foundation offices in New York City, the most extensive repository of De Kooning research material and documentation.
2. Create and maintain Shared Google Drive folder with research to share with exhibition’s second venue.
3. In consultation with curator and project manager, establish a broad exhibition checklist.
4. Identify owners and locations of objects considered for the exhibition.
5. With curator, plan and conduct travel (both domestic and international) to examine potential works for exhibition.
6. In consultation with curator, exhibition conservator, and conservation fellow make detailed notes regarding condition and presentation of objects.
7. With curator, organize a two-day seminar with scholars and other stakeholders to explore topics, methodologies, and state of De Kooning research.
8. Provide writing support where needed on catalogue précis and press materials.
9. With Exhibition Manager, track Imaging orders, participate in Exhibition stakeholder meetings.
10. Maintain files for correspondence and all inquiries related to exhibition.
11. Coordinate and write loan letters.
12. Other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Ph.D. or ABD in Art History or its equivalent preferred, with an emphasis on, and thorough knowledge of, twentieth-century art, its movements, theories, methodologies and discourses, with a specialization in Abstract Expressionism ideal.

Must be able to visit and access the Willem De Kooning Foundation offices in New York City regularly.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google suites required; ability to learn museum-specific collection database systems.

Knowledge of foreign languages as appropriate to areas of specialty preferred.

The successful candidate should:
- be highly detail-oriented and organized;
- demonstrate initiative;
- embrace the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution;
- have an open-minded and collaborative approach to working and communicating with all colleagues across the museum;
- and have strong research, writing, communication, multitasking, project management, and organizational skills.

For more information and to apply please visit the external link below.