Position Description:
A Project Conservator is sought to fill a 2.4-year position as part of a larger team researching the properties and applicability of dye materials for conservation treatment of faded taxidermy. The conservator will need to be available to start the project no later than April 5, 2015.
With generous funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), in partnership with Yale University’s Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH) and Peabody Museum, is conducting a research project that aims to develop best practices for recoloring taxidermy mounts, primarily those displayed in museum habitat dioramas. The research project will investigate the physical and chemical properties of dyes identified as potentially useful for this purpose, and develop treatment protocols and decision-making standards for the use of well-understood, high-quality, affordable materials in the conservation of fur-based specimens and artifacts. It will culminate in the presentation of results to professionals in conservation and the collections care communitythrough a variety of in-person and online avenues, including one or more training workshops and a project website.
Specific responsibilities of the Project Conservator will include:
- Work with project directors, staff, collaborators, and external advisors in the execution of project research, presentation, interpretation, and dissemination of results.
- Support the development of methods of inquiry into project research questions
- Assist with equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- Assist with sample preparation, analyses, data collection and interpretation at AMNH and Yale ICPH
- Develop curricula for training workshop(s) on the care and conservation of taxidermy, and gather/produce necessary support materials
- Contribute to the presentation of findings through blogs, publications, conference presentations and/or posters, on-line training modules, etc.
- Work with project team to create content for project blog and website
- Investigate the potential of additional modes of dissemination targeting appropriate audiences
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have an M.A/M.S in Conservation or equivalent. S/he must be able to pursue multiple research activities and project goals simultaneously. Proficiency in the issues of taxidermy conservation and two years of related experience in either a museum conservation lab or equivalent is necessary. The applicant should have strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to manage and organize large amounts of data; a capacity for meticulous care in the preparation and handling of sample materials; competence in both Mac and PC computer platforms, Adobe CreativeSuite software, and basic use of a digital SLR camera.
Application Process:
Please apply directly to the AMNH careerswebpage: careers.amnh.org/
Completed application must be received no later than Monday, February 23rd, 2015.
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.