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Research Fellow positions at U.S. universities, hospitals, and research institutes regularly sponsor H-1B visas, particularly for postdoctoral researchers and clinical investigators. Cap-exempt employers like nonprofits affiliated with higher education can file year-round, bypassing the annual lottery. Your specialty occupation status depends on demonstrating that the role requires a relevant advanced degree.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Center for Netherlandish Art (CNA) seeks applicants for the CNA Fellowship Program for object-based research related to Netherlandish art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. These Fellowships are full-time appointments for a period of 6, 9 or 12 months, beginning in fall of 2027. The CNA is committed to fostering a broad and diverse international applicant pool and we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Fellowship candidates who require visa sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered on an equal basis in accordance with applicable laws and our organization’s policy. The museum also assists successful candidates with the visa application process, depending on category of visa.
The CNA Fellowship Program provides the opportunity to pursue an independent research project, determined by the fellow, related to the MFA’s expansive collections of Netherlandish art, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, works on paper, early books, and more. Research topics may focus on Dutch and/or Flemish art and culture of the long 17th century (circa 1560-1800), including contacts and exchanges between the Netherlands and other global regions. Interdisciplinary approaches are not required, but are encouraged and supported.
CNA Fellowships are open to a range of educational levels from MA graduates to recent postdoctoral scholars. Proposed projects might address, for example, research for submission of a PhD proposal, PhD dissertation work, and/or preparation of a publication.
The CNA acknowledges the continued need to make the field of Netherlandish art history more inclusive and equitable and seeks to foster early career professionals of all identities and nationalities representing a range of backgrounds, prior experiences, and research priorities.
Fellowships have the primary goal of advancing a Fellow’s individual scholarship. Fellows work with a mentor within the Museum, and have access to the MFA’s resources including collections, expertise, the Conservation Center, the CNA Library and research facilities, as well as to other research libraries and collections in the Boston/Cambridge area. The CNA has an international network of academic and museum partners to support Fellows’ projects. In residence at the CNA, a balanced program of activities facilitates the Fellows’ research and professional development. The cohort of CNA Fellows works together with the support of the CNA to promote their research and share it with a range of audiences. Fellows will provide a final written report at the conclusion of the Fellowship, and will participate in the annual CNA Colloquium in the spring, which is open to the public.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Work on individual research project
- Present on research progress
- Participate in workshops, excursions and hands-on training opportunities
- Contribute actively to CNA and MFA events and programs
- Produce a final written report and participate in the spring CNA colloquium
SECONDARY FUNCTIONS
- Attend department meetings and other staff meetings
- Engage in activities with various stakeholders upon request
- Produce content for the Museum’s online presence, including social media and CNA Stories
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have completed a master’s degree, be currently pursuing a doctoral degree, or have completed a doctoral degree within the last five years. Areas of specialization may include but are not limited to history of art, architecture, decorative arts and design, technical art history, conservation science, cultural studies, history of science, philosophy, sociology, visual studies, literary studies, religious studies, transatlantic studies, gender and sexuality studies, and/or related fields.
- Commitment to public scholarship, and eagerness to participate in training opportunities at the Museum to share expertise with broad audiences
- Proven research capabilities, academic credentials and writing skills
- Strong command of English and comfort working in an English-language environment. Dutch language skills are a plus, but not mandatory.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Full-time, 6-, 9- or 12-month employment beginning fall of 2027.
Fellows are expected to be onsite at the CNA most weekdays (excluding holidays and paid time off) during core business hours (9:00am-5:00pm). Special events will occasionally require an earlier arrival or later departure. We encourage fellows to plan short research or conference trips of up to two weeks at a time.
During the 2027-28 academic year, the CNA will host up to two Fellows to pursue an independent research project in some way related to the MFA’s collections of Netherlandish art from the long 17th century.
Compensation for the 12-month Fellowship includes salary at $53,616 (pre-doctoral Fellows) or $58,935 (postdoctoral Fellows), in addition to a generous benefits package per Museum policy, funds for relocation and visas, and a travel stipend. 6- and 9-month appointments will be prorated. Compensation is subject to applicable federal and state withholdings. This position is affiliated with the United Auto Workers union.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- A cover letter (400 words maximum) outlining the primary focus of your research, and your personal interest in the Fellowship and the Center for Netherlandish Art.
- A research proposal (1,000 words maximum) including research question(s) and general timeline, further specifying your areas of expertise and connection to the MFA’s collections of Netherlandish art. Please indicate your preference for a 6-, 9- or 12-month appointment.
- Full CV including education, professional experience, honors, awards and publications.
- A writing sample (examples include recent essay, published paper, catalogue entry or a dissertation chapter).
Additionally, we ask applicants to have two professional references send letters of recommendation directly to referenceletters@mfa.org, with ‘CNA Fellowship Program’ included in the email’s subject line.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until Tuesday, December 1, 2026.
A selection committee made up of CNA and MFA staff, as well as an international panel of experts, will review applications. We regret that we are only able to contact applicants selected for interviews.
The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
The Center for Netherlandish Art (CNA) seeks applicants for the CNA Fellowship Program for object-based research related to Netherlandish art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. These Fellowships are full-time appointments for a period of 6, 9 or 12 months, beginning in fall of 2027. The CNA is committed to fostering a broad and diverse international applicant pool and we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Fellowship candidates who require visa sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered on an equal basis in accordance with applicable laws and our organization’s policy. The museum also assists successful candidates with the visa application process, depending on category of visa.
The CNA Fellowship Program provides the opportunity to pursue an independent research project, determined by the fellow, related to the MFA’s expansive collections of Netherlandish art, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, works on paper, early books, and more. Research topics may focus on Dutch and/or Flemish art and culture of the long 17th century (circa 1560-1800), including contacts and exchanges between the Netherlands and other global regions. Interdisciplinary approaches are not required, but are encouraged and supported.
CNA Fellowships are open to a range of educational levels from MA graduates to recent postdoctoral scholars. Proposed projects might address, for example, research for submission of a PhD proposal, PhD dissertation work, and/or preparation of a publication.
The CNA acknowledges the continued need to make the field of Netherlandish art history more inclusive and equitable and seeks to foster early career professionals of all identities and nationalities representing a range of backgrounds, prior experiences, and research priorities.
Fellowships have the primary goal of advancing a Fellow’s individual scholarship. Fellows work with a mentor within the Museum, and have access to the MFA’s resources including collections, expertise, the Conservation Center, the CNA Library and research facilities, as well as to other research libraries and collections in the Boston/Cambridge area. The CNA has an international network of academic and museum partners to support Fellows’ projects. In residence at the CNA, a balanced program of activities facilitates the Fellows’ research and professional development. The cohort of CNA Fellows works together with the support of the CNA to promote their research and share it with a range of audiences. Fellows will provide a final written report at the conclusion of the Fellowship, and will participate in the annual CNA Colloquium in the spring, which is open to the public.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Work on individual research project
- Present on research progress
- Participate in workshops, excursions and hands-on training opportunities
- Contribute actively to CNA and MFA events and programs
- Produce a final written report and participate in the spring CNA colloquium
SECONDARY FUNCTIONS
- Attend department meetings and other staff meetings
- Engage in activities with various stakeholders upon request
- Produce content for the Museum’s online presence, including social media and CNA Stories
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have completed a master’s degree, be currently pursuing a doctoral degree, or have completed a doctoral degree within the last five years. Areas of specialization may include but are not limited to history of art, architecture, decorative arts and design, technical art history, conservation science, cultural studies, history of science, philosophy, sociology, visual studies, literary studies, religious studies, transatlantic studies, gender and sexuality studies, and/or related fields.
- Commitment to public scholarship, and eagerness to participate in training opportunities at the Museum to share expertise with broad audiences
- Proven research capabilities, academic credentials and writing skills
- Strong command of English and comfort working in an English-language environment. Dutch language skills are a plus, but not mandatory.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Full-time, 6-, 9- or 12-month employment beginning fall of 2027.
Fellows are expected to be onsite at the CNA most weekdays (excluding holidays and paid time off) during core business hours (9:00am-5:00pm). Special events will occasionally require an earlier arrival or later departure. We encourage fellows to plan short research or conference trips of up to two weeks at a time.
During the 2027-28 academic year, the CNA will host up to two Fellows to pursue an independent research project in some way related to the MFA’s collections of Netherlandish art from the long 17th century.
Compensation for the 12-month Fellowship includes salary at $53,616 (pre-doctoral Fellows) or $58,935 (postdoctoral Fellows), in addition to a generous benefits package per Museum policy, funds for relocation and visas, and a travel stipend. 6- and 9-month appointments will be prorated. Compensation is subject to applicable federal and state withholdings. This position is affiliated with the United Auto Workers union.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- A cover letter (400 words maximum) outlining the primary focus of your research, and your personal interest in the Fellowship and the Center for Netherlandish Art.
- A research proposal (1,000 words maximum) including research question(s) and general timeline, further specifying your areas of expertise and connection to the MFA’s collections of Netherlandish art. Please indicate your preference for a 6-, 9- or 12-month appointment.
- Full CV including education, professional experience, honors, awards and publications.
- A writing sample (examples include recent essay, published paper, catalogue entry or a dissertation chapter).
Additionally, we ask applicants to have two professional references send letters of recommendation directly to referenceletters@mfa.org, with ‘CNA Fellowship Program’ included in the email’s subject line.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until Tuesday, December 1, 2026.
A selection committee made up of CNA and MFA staff, as well as an international panel of experts, will review applications. We regret that we are only able to contact applicants selected for interviews.
The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
See all 1,038+ H-1B Visa Research Fellow Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Research Fellow
Verify your employer's cap-exempt status
Many research institutions, university-affiliated hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations qualify as cap-exempt employers, meaning they can file your H-1B petition any time without waiting for the April lottery window. Confirm this before accepting an offer.
Document your degree's direct relevance
USCIS scrutinizes Research Fellow petitions when your degree field doesn't map cleanly to the specific research area. Get a credential evaluation and prepare a detailed position description linking your doctorate directly to the proposed work.
Check prevailing wage using OFLC Wage Search
Research Fellow wage levels vary widely by institution type and location. Before negotiating your offer, look up the DOL prevailing wage for your SOC code and work-site zip code using OFLC Wage Search so you know the minimum your employer must certify on the LCA.
Target employers with postdoc H-1B filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Research Fellow roles by employers who have filed H-1B LCAs for your occupation code. This surfaces labs and institutes that have already navigated the process, reducing the risk of an employer who's unfamiliar with the filing requirements.
Request O*NET classification in your offer letter
Ask your prospective employer to confirm which O*NET occupation code applies to your role before the LCA is filed. Misclassification between research and teaching codes is a common RFE trigger for Research Fellow petitions at universities.
Plan around the 60-day grace period between positions
If you're transitioning from one Research Fellow appointment to another, USCIS allows a 60-day grace period after your previous H-1B ends. Your new employer's H-1B petition must be filed, not just approved, before that window closes to maintain lawful status.
H-1B Visa Research Fellow: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Research Fellow positions qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. For most Research Fellow appointments, a master's or doctorate in the relevant scientific or clinical discipline satisfies this standard. USCIS will review the job duties and the degree requirement stated in the offer letter, so the position description needs to tie specific research tasks to your advanced degree field.
Can a university or hospital sponsor my H-1B as a Research Fellow without going through the lottery?
Many can. Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and hospitals affiliated with institutions of higher education are cap-exempt employers under the H-1B rules. That means they can file your petition at any time of year without competing for the 65,000 or 20,000 annual slots. You'll want to confirm your specific employer qualifies before relying on this pathway.
How do I find Research Fellow employers who actively sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate shows verified H-1B LCA filing history by employer and occupation code, so you can identify which research institutions and labs have filed for roles matching your field. This is more reliable than guessing based on employer size or reputation, since even well-funded labs sometimes lack H-1B experience for specific research tracks.
What happens to my H-1B status if my Research Fellow grant funding runs out mid-appointment?
If your employer can no longer pay the LCA-certified wage because funding ends, your H-1B status is at risk. The employer is legally required to notify USCIS and formally withdraw the petition. You then have the 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer and have a new H-1B petition filed on your behalf before your status lapses.
Does my postdoctoral Research Fellow appointment count as H-1B-qualifying employment for future petitions?
Yes. Time spent on H-1B status as a Research Fellow counts toward your six-year H-1B maximum and, if your employer or a future employer files an I-140 immigrant petition, toward priority date preservation under AC21 portability rules. Keep copies of all approval notices, pay stubs, and W-2s from every H-1B appointment as documentation for future filings.