The University of Massachusetts Amherst is hiring: Artist-In-Residence/Research

Apply now Job no: 525785
Work type: Senior/Research Fellow (Amherst Only)
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Dean - Humanities & Fine Arts
Union: Non-Benefited
Categories: Research

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers.

About Slavery North

Founded in 2022, Slavery North is a unique academic and cultural destination where scholars, thinkers, artists, and cultural producers build community and produce research and cultural outcomes that transform our understanding of the neglected histories of Transatlantic Slavery in Canada and the US North.

Job Summary

The Artist-In-Residence (Research Fellow) for Slavery North will actively participate in both the scholarly and social environment of the center. Artists-in-Residence will conduct independent research and create original works in one or more of the five mandate areas of Slavery North, which include: 1) Canadian Slavery, 2) slavery in the US North, 3) the comparative study of slavery in Canada, the US North, and other northern or temperate regions, 4) the study of the inter-connectedness of slavery in Canada and the US North with Caribbean Slavery, and 5) Black-Indigenous relations in Canadian Slavery or US North Slavery.

Essential Functions

• Self-directed research and production of original works in one or more of the five core mandate areas of Slavery North.
• Actively participate in the life of Slavery North, including working in our shared office space and contributing to relevant activities.
• Contribute to a culture of conversation, support, and the sharing of ideas, resources, and knowledge.
• Mentor and support UMass Amherst students.
• Present at least one public lecture and participate in exhibitions, workshops, and/or podcasts related to your research project.
• Provide suitable biographical and research information for use on Slavery North's website and in promotional materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated evidence of consistent creative output of a high standard, with a strong record of exhibitions and/or public engagement.

Artists-in-Residence must credit Slavery North Initiative-UMass Amherst in all outcomes derived from their appointment.

Work Schedule

Flexible. Artists-In-Residence are expected to work in the shared office and actively contribute to the Slavery North community.

Salary Information

This is a maximum one-year non-benefited appointment. Appointments will be made according to the following approximate schedule:

Fall Semester: 9/1/25—12/18/25 (Biweekly Gross Salary= $2,326.92 per 8 pay periods)
Spring Semester: 1/30/26—5/17/26 (Biweekly Gross Salary=$2,326.92 per 8 pay periods)
Full One Year Appointment: 9/1/24—8/31/25 (Biweekly Gross Salary=$2,326.92 per 26 pay periods)

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit the following materials for consideration. Application will not be considered complete until all materials are received.

• Current CV (maximum 3 pages) which addresses education/training, current affiliations, related work experience, and relevant community contributions.
• Project Statement (Maximum 5 pages): Applicants must demonstrate that their research project or creative production focuses on at least one of the Slavery North Mandate Areas.
• Photographs, Weblinks, or Writing sample: Five photographs of completed artworks or film stills OR link to the artist’s professional website or video sample OR writing sample (maximum 20 pages).