Museum Fellow I, Cotsen Center

George Washington University

United States, D.C., Washington

Jul 23, 2025

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:	The Cotsen Textile Traces Study Collection, housed at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum, is one of the world's most significant textile study collections, comprising nearly 4,000 fragments dating from antiquity to the present. The collection represents a lifetime of collecting by business leader and philanthropist Lloyd Cotsen (1929-2017). The Cotsen Textile Traces Study Center's goal is to become a leading global center for textile research, scholarship, and innovation, bringing together students, scholars, and professionals to explore the history, artistry, technology, and cultural significance of textiles. Our mission is to increase accessibility to the Cotsen collection, foster interdisciplinary research, and train the next generation of experts through object-based education, hands-on experience, and the creation and dissemination of textile knowledge. Through research and an improved database, we strive to preserve and build cultural heritage for posterity. The purpose of The Cotsen Center Fellowship is to support the quality, vitality, and diversity of research in textile studies, and strengthen the intellectual care of the textile collection. This includes conducting object-based learning workshops; teaching basic textile analysis; research support for students and visiting scholars; and conducting research, writing and editing and program development for the center. The Cotsen Center Fellow is typically a post-graduate whose professional training and interests corresponds to The Cotsen Textile Traces Study Center and its current research and academic engagement goals. Fellowship Expectations The Cotsen Center Fellow is expected to: Help and conduct GW classes "object-based learning workshops" and facilitate logistics of class workshops led by curators and faculty. Facilitate research visits for students and faculty and teach basic textile analysis techniques where applicable. Contribute to planning and development of the Cotsen Textile Traces Global Roundtable program (Fall 2025 theme "Future of Textiles"). Assist in the publication of Cotsen Colloquium proceedings. Support textile workshops and other special programs. The Cotsen Fellow can also undertake opportunities such as: Present a talk on their work for a museum members' program Submit research notes for The Textile Museum Journal. Create a Cotsen micro exhibition during the year of appointment. Participate in curatorial meetings, events, and public programs. The Cotsen Center Fellow is encouraged to: Contribute to the development of the Cotsen Center's strategies for the dissemination of scholarly information, including electronic means to strengthen the institution's scholarly role and visibility. Engage with the scholarly community and contribute to other Cotsen Center-generated scholarly initiatives. At the end of their appointment, Cotsen Center Fellow must deliver a final report to the Director of The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum and Academic Coordinator of The Cotsen Textile Traces Study Center detailing the work accomplished during the appointment. Work will be conducted primarily at GW's Foggy Bottom campus, where the Museum and resource libraries are located. The fellow can also avail of the Avenir Foundation Conservation and Collections Resource Center on the Virginia Science and Technology campus (Ashburn VA) when necessary. The Cotsen Center Fellow is a 12-month fellowship designed to provide early-career professionals with hands-on experience and training with one renewal option and generally runs from September 1 to August 31. Individuals may hold an appointment for no more than two consecutive years. Performs other duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:	Qualified candidates will hold a high school diploma/ GED or, a Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:	Applicants' professional training must align with The Cotsen Textile Traces Study Center's activities. For example, art history, museum studies, art and/or textile conservation and textile studies. The Cotsen Center Fellow is expected to be in residence in the greater Washington DC area during the period of appointment. It is recommended that they arrive in the area in advance of the academic term. The Cotsen Center Fellow is responsible for arranging living accommodations.
Preferred Qualifications:	The applicant having previous experience working in a museum setting, teaching assistance, research and publication and interacting with the public is desired.
Hiring Range	$21.27 - $27.63
GW Staff Approach to Pay	How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:	Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department:	Academic Affairs
Family	Museum & Performing Arts
Sub-Family	Museum and Arts
Stream	Service and Support
Level	Level 1
Full-Time/Part-Time:	Full-Time
Hours Per Week:	40
Work Schedule:	Monday - Friday: 9AM-5PM
Will this job require the employee to work on site?	Yes
Employee Onsite Status	Hybrid
Telework:	Yes
Required Background Check:	Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status The Cotsen Center Fellow is expected to be in residence in the greater Washington DC area during the period of appointment. It is recommended that they arrive in the area in advance of the academic term. The Cotsen Center Fellow is responsible for arranging living accommodations.
Internal Applicants Only?	No
Posting Number:	S013799
Job Open Date:	07/23/2025
Job Close Date:
If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:
Background Screening	Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:	The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.