HARVARD ART MUSEUMS, Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies
Associate Paintings Conservator
The Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies at the Harvard Art Museums is seeking an Associate Paintings Conservator. The Harvard Art Museums have long played a leading role in the development of art history, conservation, and conservation science, and in the evolution of the art museum as an institution. The museums’ collections of approximately 250,000 objects number among the largest in the United States. The conservation department plays an integral role in the museums’ mission to advance knowledge about and appreciation of art and art museums. Conservators and conservation scientists work collaboratively with all departments within the museums and with the greater Harvard University community to preserve, document, present, interpret, and strengthen the collections and resources in the museums’ care.
Duties & Responsibilities
Reports to the Conservator of Paintings, Straus Center for Conservation.
Collections
- Performs conservation surveys, examinations, and treatments for paintings, murals, and certain polychromed objects for the Harvard Art Museums and occasional outside clients. Collections span a broad range of cultures, focusing on European and American, and time periods from ancient to contemporary.
- Prepares accompanying written and photographic documentation, estimates, correspondence, and condition reports for exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions.
- Manages and executes treatment and care of University Loans and Portrait Collection.
- Accompanies artworks as courier when needed.
- Carries out minor treatment of frames.
- Manages and executes preventive care for paintings, including light level monitoring and environmental needs.
Administrative
- Participates in planning and preparing budgets for lab activities, exhibitions, and special projects.
- Manages special projects related to conservation and preservation as needed.
- Collaborates with and maintains good working relations with conservation scientists, conservators, curators, and other museum staff.
- Assists Conservator of Paintings with selection, supervision, and instruction of conservation fellow.
- Directs and instructs casual employees, contractors, or students as appropriate.
- Assists in the maintenance of the lab and photo studio, including supplies, records, and equipment.
- Serves as Paintings Lab point person for health and safety issues. Uses and monitors the safe use of certain controlled or hazardous substances.
- Practices and promotes the Guidelines for Practice and Code of Ethics as established by the AIC.
Teaching
- Assists the Conservator of Paintings in teaching, including undergraduate and graduate courses on the materials and techniques, and the technical examination of art.
- Advises and trains museum staff in the best practices for the care, handling, display, storage, and packing and shipping of paintings.
Research
- Responsible for staying current with professional philosophies, procedures, and practices in the conservation field through membership in professional organizations, publications, and attendance at meetings, workshops, and seminars.
- Conducts technical research relevant to the collection as assigned and is strongly encouraged to publish and present findings at national and international conferences.
Institutional
- Works with and provides content for Communications and other museum departments.
- Prepares and presents content for museum departments including Division of Academic and Public Programs, Curatorial, and Institutional Advancement.
- Supports Collections Management’s operation of Art Study Centers and Curricular Galleries.
- Leads and participates in tours for various interest groups.
Required Education, Experience, and Skills
Basic Qualifications
- MA, MS, or Certificate in Conservation from a recognized university program.
- A minimum of 5 years’ museum or other professional experience with skilled examination and treatment of paintings and painted surfaces from a broad range of cultures and time periods including Ancient, Asian, European, American, modern, and contemporary art.
Additional Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience with state-of-the-art imaging tools used for conservation documentation including digital photography, x-radiography, infrared reflectography (IRR).
- Excellent computer skills, including image editing and management; high level of proficiency/expertise using Adobe PhotoShop and other software.
- Excellent communication, writing, interpersonal, project management, and leadership skills.
- Publications and presentations in professional forums.
- Proficiency with the Museum System (TMS).
- Has or is eligible for Professional Associate or Fellow membership status in AIC.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work while standing, and on occasion in non-studio, on-site locations.
- Ability to climb and work on a ladder and scaffolding.
- Precise attention to detail and manual dexterity.
Application Instructions
A complete application includes a cover letter and curriculum vitae. All application materials must be in English. Deadline for receipt of application materials is March 2, 2015. Preferred start date is June 1, 2015.
This is a 2 year term position, with the possibility of extension depending on departmental needs and funding.
Please apply online: http://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs.
Search by School/Unit: Harvard Art Museums.
We are an equal opportunity employer 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.
