New

Museum Fellow, Cotsen Center

George Washington University

United States, D.C., Washington

Jun 12, 2026

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 to 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, editing, and program development for the center. The Museum Fellow, Cotsen Center, is typically a post-graduate whose professional training and interests correspond to The Cotsen Textile Traces Study Center and its current research and academic engagement goals. Fellowship Expectations The Museum Fellow, Cotsen Center, is expected to: Facilitate research visits for students and faculty and teach basic textile analysis techniques where applicable. Contribute to planning and development of Cotsen Colloquia and Global Roundtables. Assist in the publication of Cotsen Roundtable proceedings. Support textile workshops and other special programs. Conduct research to improve the Cotsen database and to verify information generated by students. Pull objects for class or research access. The Museum Fellow, Cotsen Center, can also undertake opportunities such as: Help and conduct GW classes, "object-based learning workshops," and facilitate logistics of class workshops led by curators and faculty. Present a talk on their work at a professional conference. 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 Museum Fellow, Cotsen Center, 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, the Museum Fellow, Cotsen Center, 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 Museum Fellow, Cotsen Center 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 for the Collections, and Conservation Fellowships will hold a Master's degree in a relevant area of study. Qualified candidates for the Cotsen Fellowships will hold a Master's degree OR will be pursuing a PhD degree in a relevant area of study, Qualified candidates for The Textile Museum Curatorial Fellowship will be pursuing a PhD degree or hold a PhD in a relevant area of study completed within the past two years.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:	The Cotsen Center Fellow is expected to be in residence in the greater Washington, D.C. 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 is desired to have previous experience working in a museum setting, teaching assistance, research and publication, and interacting with the public. Applicants' professional training is preferred to align with The Cotsen Textile Traces Study Center's activities. For example, art history, museum studies, art and/or textile conservation, and textile studies.
Hiring Range	$21.80 - $28.32
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 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Will this job require the employee to work on site?	Yes
Employee Onsite Status	On-campus (in person)
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 limited term of this appointment is 1 year at this time, with the potential of one renewal, for a total of 2 years only from the start date. Individuals may hold an appointment for no more than two consecutive years. Candidate's professional training and research interests must correspond with the museum's current activities, research, and academic engagement goals.
Internal Applicants Only?	No
Posting Number:	S014234
Job Open Date:	06/11/2026
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.