Post-Doctoral Associate in Reparative Art Histories

History of Art and Architecture, University of Pittsburgh

The Department of the History of Art & Architecture (HAA) in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh is seeking applications for a Mellon Foundation Postdoctoral Associate position on “Reparative Histories of Art and Architecture.” We invite candidates who have completed or will complete a Ph.D. in the history of art, architecture, or visual culture to apply for this two-year appointment, running August 1, 2025, through July 30, 2027, that is funded by a grant from the Mellon Foundation on the theme of social justice and disciplinary knowledge.  

The grant project is led by Principal Investigator and Dietrich Professor Dr. Kirk Savage, with Gretchen Bender, Jennifer Josten, Alison Langmead, and Christopher Nygren serving as Co-PIs. This grant will support a two-year process of inquiry and collaborative work focused on one central question: how do we foreground the issue of social justice in the discipline of art and architectural history, across time periods, geographies, and social structures? In the first year, HAA will engage in a structured conversation with a series of outside interlocutors; in the second year, the department will produce two new core courses and accompanying Open Educational Resources centering social justice and will produce reflection essays on the challenges and possibilities of advancing social justice analysis in new research.

The postdoctoral associate will take an active role in this project, including interviewing the participants, documenting the activities of the project, and working with the principal investigators, the graduate student assistant, and the department administrator to bring the events to life. This scholar will also participate in all scholarly activities associated with the project, including workshops and lectures; will be asked to offer one undergraduate lecture course (Spring 2026) and one graduate seminar (Fall 2026) focusing on the theme of reparative art histories; and will advance their own research agenda while contributing to the project’s scholarly output through co-authorship of one or more of its publications. 

Successful applicants should demonstrate a research agenda that engages in some aspect of social justice analysis, whatever the specialization. This could include the interplay of justice with questions of patronage, collection, markets, and value; the complicity of the discipline with regimes of colonization and enslavement; methodologies to repair absences in the human record of material production; recovering moments of resistance and liberation – to name only some possibilities. HAA is committed to centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in its curricular and research initiatives. We seek a colleague whose scholarship, teaching, and mentorship will advance our DEIA and anti-racist mission. 

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of a diverse community are required.

Salary and benefits will be competitive, and during their time at University of Pittsburgh the Post-doc will be covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which guarantees a minimum salary of at least $60,000 for full-time faculty. 

This position has a budget to support both relocation and research expenses. 

Duties:

• Active role in the grant project under the direction of the principal investigator
• Assist with planning events, course development, and preparation of Open Educational Resource materials
• Teach two courses in reparative art histories:
  • One 3-credit undergraduate lecture in Spring 2026
  • One 3-credit graduate seminar in Fall 2026
  • Be in residence during the academic year and participate in the intellectual life of the department
• Continue to advance a personal research agenda demonstrated through public presentations, conference participation, or publications

Qualifications:

 Minimum:

1. 1. 1. ABD in history of art, architecture, or visual culture with a Ph.D. in hand prior to August 1, 2025, OR Ph.D. in history of art, architecture, or visual culture issued within the last five years. 
      2. Demonstrated research interest in questions relating to reparative art history or social justice analysis. 
      3. Some teaching experience at the college/university level. 

Preferred:

1. 1. 1. Experience with organizing conferences/lectures.
      2. Experience in public humanities projects and engagements. 
      3. Experience participating in long-term collaborative projects. 

To Apply:

To apply, visit the posting on University of Pittsburgh's Talent Center. The requisition number for this position is 24009218. Applications should include:

1. 1. 1. Cover letter of 1-2 pages, addressed to Kirk Savage that includes a summary of the dissertation and discusses how the candidate’s research aligns with the seminar’s theme of “Reparative Art Histories” (applicants may wish to consult the description of the Reparation Constellation at https://www.haa.pitt.edu/graduate/constellations)
      2. Current CV
      3. Writing sample (limit 30 pages)
      4.  Teaching Statement (limit 2 pages)
      5. Contact information for three potential referees. We will request letters of reference from finalist candidates. 

Review of applications will begin in late March 2025 but will continue until the position is filled. We encourage all to submit an application by April 1 for full consideration.

Questions may be directed to Kirk Savage, Principal Investigator (ksa@pitt.edu), Christopher Nygren, Department Chair (cnygren@pitt.edu), or Evan Zajdel, Department Administrator (ewz5@pitt.edu). 

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity.