Curatorial Fellow

Role overview

The National Gallery of Ireland is seeking a Curatorial Fellow to join its Curatorial Department on a fixed-term basis. This role supports the planning and delivery of a major scheduled rehang of the permanent collection, while also contributing to wider curatorial work and gallery activity.

The Fellowship Programme offers practical experience across different parts of the Gallery, including curatorial practice, conservation, education, and library/archive-related work. Fellows work toward defined project goals and benefit from mentoring, access to specialist colleagues, and use of the Gallery’s collections and research resources.

As part of the curatorial team, the fellow will help prepare and deliver the rehang of the collection, assist with exhibition-related work, and gain direct experience of collection management, public engagement, and the day-to-day operation of the Gallery.

Key duties

• Support the Head Curator and the curatorial team in preparing and delivering the rehang of the permanent collection, which is due to begin across the Gallery in early 2027.
• Carry out research on selected works relevant to the rehang.
• Help draft labels, panels, and other interpretation materials for the rehang.
• Assist the Head Curator and curatorial team with delivery of the exhibition programme.
• Update records for the permanent collection and related curatorial files.
• Conduct provenance research.
• Participate in the Gallery’s public programme when required.
• Take on additional duties within the Curatorial Department as needed.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant will hold a third-level qualification in Art History or a closely related field and will have experience in a museum, gallery, or similar environment. A strong interest in the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection is essential, along with well-developed research, writing, analytical, and organisational abilities.

Excellent attention to detail, confident IT and digital media skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively are also important. The role calls for someone who can manage deadlines accurately, work administratively with care, and bring a positive, proactive mindset and a willingness to build a career in the arts.

Conditions of employment

This role is a one-year fixed-term contract. The job description is intended as a broad guide and may be updated to reflect new structures or changing Gallery needs.

All staff must comply with NGI screening and Garda Vetting procedures. Appointment is also subject to a satisfactory medical check and successful completion of probation. Applicants must have fluent English and be eligible to work in Ireland.

Citizenship and work permission

• Applicants must be citizens of the European Economic Area (EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway), or
• Citizens of the United Kingdom, or
• Citizens of Switzerland under the relevant EU-Switzerland free movement agreement, or
• Non-EEA citizens holding Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 permission.

A 50 TEU permission, which replaced Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is treated as equivalent to Stamp 4. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirement by the date any offer is made.

Working pattern and pay

This is a full-time position requiring 35 hours per week across 5 days, excluding breaks. The salary is fixed at €32,000 per year on a pro-rata basis for the contract period.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit an online application with PDF copies of the following documents:

• A CV of no more than 3 pages outlining relevant achievements and experience.
• A cover letter of no more than 2 pages explaining why you are applying and how your background matches the role.

Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered. Any questions about the position may be sent through the application system messaging function or to the HR team by email. Canvassing will result in disqualification.

Recruitment process

A merit-based panel of successful candidates may be created at the end of the assessment process and used to fill future vacancies. Interviews are expected to take place in July or August 2026.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The National Gallery of Ireland is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and aims to reflect the communities it serves. Reasonable accommodation can be requested for any part of the application process. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer.

Privacy notice

Any personal data provided during the application process will be handled in line with the Gallery’s Privacy Notice.