Reports to: Head of the Study Centre (Jefe del Centro de Estudios)
Department: Centro de Estudios, Museo Nacional del Prado
Line Management: None
Principal Location: Madrid, Museo Nacional del Prado
Hours: 6 hours per morning, Monday–Friday
Salary: Senior: €4,000/month (total €12,000), Junior: €3,000/month (total €9,000)
Contract / Duration: 3-month research stay (1 October – 31 December 2026)
Positions Available: 2 postdoctoral research grants
Eligibility: PhD in Art History or related Humanities; fluency in Spanish

2025 Call Open

Following the signing, on 20 March 2024, of the agreement between the Fundación Gondra Barandiarán and the Museo Nacional del Prado for the Postdoctoral Research Grants Programme, two postdoctoral research grants are announced.

Purpose

To provide two three-month research stays for PhD researchers at the Prado Museum’s Study Centre, enabling research that contributes to expanding knowledge of the Prado’s collections and/or the Museum’s history.
The Study Centre offers researchers access to the collections and contact with the Prado Museum’s academic community, access to the resources of the Library, Documentation, and Archive, as well as workspace and research facilities.

Modality, Amount, and Duration

Senior Modality

• PhD researchers aged 40 and above

• €4,000 per month for 3 months (total €12,000)

Junior Modality

• PhD researchers under 40

• €3,000 per month for 3 months (total €9,000)

Scheduled Dates for the Call and Research Period

• Call open until 15 December (inclusive)

• Research stay at the Study Centre: 1 October to 31 December 2026

Requirements

• PhD degree in Art History or related Humanities disciplines

• Fluency in Spanish (spoken and written)

Applications

Documentation Demonstrating Merits

• Academic certification of PhD degree

• Justified evidence of a solid academic and professional trajectory in the field of Art History

• Experience in scientific research in Art History or related disciplines, including dissemination and publication of results

• Professional and/or research experience in non-museum institutions, museums, or other cultural institutions

• Knowledge of the collections and history of the Museo Nacional del Prado

Research Project

Applicants must submit a research project written in Spanish, maximum 1,000 words, including:

• Description of an original research project focused on a thematic–chronological area related to the Prado’s collections and/or history

• Objectives to be achieved during the stay

• Description of how Prado Museum resources and its Study Centre will be used

• Tentative timeline for the project

Letters of Recommendation

• One letter from a museum professional endorsing the applicant (excluding Prado Museum staff); in Spanish, English, or translated

• One letter from an academic (university professor, research institution member, etc.) endorsing the applicant (excluding Prado Museum curators); in Spanish, English, or translated

Curriculum Vitae

• CV written in Spanish

Obligations of Selected Researchers

General Obligations

• Join the Prado Museum within the period established in the award notification and carry out the research activity for which the grant was awarded

• Comply with attendance rules and participate in training and research activities, working a six-hour morning schedule, Monday to Friday, and follow the Study Centre’s general and specific regulations

• Acknowledge the Fundación Gondra Barandiarán and the Museo del Prado when including this grant in their CV and professional trajectory

Participation in the Academic Life of the Study Centre and the Museum

Academic Activities of the Study Centre

• The junior researcher must lead a Young Researchers Seminar or another academic activity proposed by the Head of the Study Centre, with active collaboration from the senior researcher

• Researchers must present their project to the Head of the Study Centre and propose at least one academic activity for the Museum (lecture, talk, or other), to be evaluated and approved

• Researchers must submit an article based on their research to the Boletín del Museo del Prado for review

• Attend internal courses and seminars at the Study Centre

• Be available to guide and advise other researchers and fellows at the Study Centre