James Menzies Fellow of Early China Studies Application
About
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a cultural institution that showcases art, culture, and nature from around the world and across the ages. Among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America and Canada’s largest and most visited museum, ROM has a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces.
ROM's mission is to transform lives by helping people to understand the past, make sense of the present, and come together to shape a shared future. The museum is known globally for expanding the boundaries of knowledge and presenting that knowledge in new and innovative ways within the intersecting worlds of art, culture, and nature. ROM's extensive exhibition schedule and public programs attract approximately 190,000 students and 1.3 million visitors or more in a typical year.
The Fellowship
The James Menzies Fellowship of Early Chinese Studies at the Royal Ontario Museum is generously supported by the James Menzies Early Chinese Research Fund. Established in 2009 by Kenneth Menzies and Nora Menzies, the Fund is to support research on ROM’s Chinese collection, with priority given to the James Menzies Collection of Chinese early antiquities, The collection was built by the donors’ grandfather, James Menzies, and donated to the Museum by their father Arthur Menzies, in 1960.
The purpose of the Fund is to support Chinese scholars in undertaking research on ROM’s early Chinese collection, with priority given to the research and publication of the Menzies collection of oracle bones, bronzes, and pottery in the context of ROM’s bigger collection.
Available to PhD candidates, as well as scholars from China or Canada who hold a PhD, priority consideration will be given to applicants whose research concentrates on China’s Bronze Age. In particular the Shang Dynasty and its core capital area in Henan and Shandong provinces, including especially Anyang and the so-called Ruin of Yin (Yinxu) are areas of research interest. In consideration of James Menzies’ involvement in early collecting and analysis of oracle bones and his work on the Shang/Yin capital Yinxu in Henan Province, and his subsequent teaching at Cheeloo (Chilu) University, now Shandong University, priority will be given to applicants connected to these two locations.
This fund will support work to strengthen scholarly ties between China and Canada, support the work of talented Chinese and Canadian researchers, and advance ROM’s position as a premier Canadian research institution of Chinese art and archaeology. The James Menzies Chinese Research Fund honours James Menzies’ legacy of Chinese scholarship.
The ideal candidate will bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to Early China studies, contributing to innovative scholarship that broadens and diversifies existing narratives. A passion for public engagement and collaboration is essential. Fellows are encouraged to contribute to ROM’s mission by engaging with the Museum’s audiences through public programming and outreach while focusing on ROM collections research. This role is an exciting opportunity to work closely with ROM's extensive collections and world-class curators to push the boundaries of research and cultural understanding.
For ROM’s mission and vision, please refer to the ROM21 Strategic Direction.
Information
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident of People’s Republic of China or Canada
- Hold a PhD in Early Chinese studies by the start of the Fellowship
- Non-Canadian applicants will be responsible for obtaining necessary visas, permits and any other permission that may be required.
- Conduct original research aligned with ROM’s mission, leveraging the museum’s extensive collections, archives, and resources.
- Contribute to advancing knowledge in Early China studies with a focus on broadening and diversifying narratives within the field.
- Publish findings in manuscripts (i.e., catalogues), or academic journals as well as other platforms, elevating ROM’s reputation as a leading research institution.
- Engage diverse audiences through public programming and outreach, sharing your research in accessible and innovative ways.
- Foster connections between your research, ROM’s collections, and broader cultural, academic, and community networks.
- Utilize your expertise to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and dialogue among ROM visitors, students, and community members.
- Support ROM’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion by contributing to research and programming that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities we serve.
- Flexibility to be in residence at ROM for most of the fellowship tenure, with potential travel for fieldwork or research purposes.
- Scholars who hold a Ph.D. in the field of Early China archaeology, history, or art history. Preference will be given to those who have affiliation with a research institute, a university, or a museum in China.
- A strong academic background, demonstrated through publications, presentations, and innovative research projects, particularly in the field of Shang-Zhou history and archaeology.
- Expertise in one or more of the ROM collection areas: oracle bones, bronzes with inscription, antiquity jades, and other objects of early China.
- Proven ability to design, manage, and execute high-quality research projects within defined timelines.
- Strong communication and public engagement skills, with experience presenting research to diverse audiences in accessible and compelling ways.
- A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively with curators, researchers, and other museum professionals.
- Passion for contributing to ROM’s mission of connecting art, culture, and nature to inspire learning and foster community engagement.
- A strong understanding of museum collection care and collection database system.
- Start date: April 1, 2026, with flexibility to early summer commerce.
- Status: one-year (12 months) non-employment fellowship
- Title: James Menzies Research Fellow
- Award: $55,000 Canadian Dollars (awarded by three installments) plus one-time round-trip airfare and travel-related expenses (max $4000 CND)
Application Instructions
To apply for the James Menzies Research Fellowship of Early China Studies, applicants need to prepare and submit the following documents in a single PDF file:
Cover Letter (1 page): Outline your interest in the fellowship, the relevance of your previous work, and how your proposed project aligns with ROM’s mission and your field.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide a comprehensive overview of your academic background, research experience, publications, and other relevant achievements.
Research Proposal (2 pages, plus references): Detail the research you plan to conduct during the fellowship, emphasizing its significance, methodology, and how ROM’s collections and resources will support your work.
Sample Publications (up to 3): Include examples of your published work that highlight your expertise and scholarly contributions.
References: Include the names and contact information of two references who can speak to your academic qualifications and research experience. References will only be contacted if you are selected.
