Month: July 2015

Director of Scientific Research
Scientific Research
Full time
Permanent
Salary – Competitive
Application Deadline: August 9, 2015
Can you help one of the world’s leading cultural institutions develop new strengths in scientific research? It’s an exciting challenge and this newly-created leadership role is your opportunity to take it on.  You will be responsible for the Museum’s new scientific research strategy and to lead our team of scientists to develop an ambitious research programme to deliver it.
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. We have a strong legacy of scientific research in areas including the study of ancient and ethnographic objects, as well as the development of conservation techniques. Supported by the Wellcome Trust, we are looking to appoint a world-class leader to transform the Museum’s scientific research agenda, make full use of our new state-of-the-art research laboratories at the World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre, and develop a new focus in the science of organic artefacts and bio-archaeology. For the right candidate there will also be the opportunity to develop a close working relationship with the Francis Crick Institute.
If you are the forefront of your field, help us to lead and inspire the scientific research team, building the department’s worldwide reputation. 
Person Specification:
The ideal candidate will have at minimum significant post-doctoral research experience, a track record of university or museum-based research in either the science of organic artefacts or bio-archaeology, and have experience of successfully applying for grants from major national and international funding-bodies. The successful post-holder will have experience developing and implementing strategies within a research-focussed environment, along with proven abilities to effectively handle large budgets. The ability to lead, develop and motivate a team is essential, as is the skill to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. With over 6.5 million visitors in 2014, the Museum is the top visitor attraction in the UK, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, Egyptian mummies, the Admonitions Scroll, and the Amaravati sculptures.
The Museum is an equal opportunity employer, supports a diverse
workplace and offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Membership of the civil service pension scheme
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
• Participate in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Child care voucher scheme
• Professional & personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases

If you are a positive individual, passionate about the Museum and would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, please visit the website for further information and details on how to apply. https://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/jobs.aspx

The Collection Management Division of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) is advertising vacancies in its new four-person Conservation Branch.  The second announcement can be found at:
http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/411147900
The closing date of the announcement is August 3, 2015.
NHHC, headquartered at the Washington Navy Yard, is responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. naval history and heritage.  NHHC activities include the Navy art and artifact collections, underwater archeology, Navy histories, the Navy Department Library, the Navy Operational Archives, nine museums, USS Constitution’s repair facility and the historic ship Nautilus.
In the past year, NHHC has consolidated its historic artifact collection into a single Collection Management Facility at the Defense Supply Center, Richmond VA, and has brought on staff to manage the collection there.  This summer we are establishing a four-person Conservation Branch at the Richmond facility to undertake conservation of selected artifacts from across the NHHC enterprise, conduct site visits to Navy museums around the country, and provide care guidelines for artifacts on Navy installations but not in NHHC’s custody – for example, outdoor ordnance displays.  We are in the early stages of fitting out a laboratory for the branch’s use.
The branch will be staffed by a GS-1015-13 Branch Head (announcement already closed), a GS-1015-12 Lead Conservator (this announcement), and two GS-1015-11 Conservators.  All applicants should understand that this is a new operation, with all of the opportunities and uncertainties that implies.
To view photos of some of the historic naval artifacts in the NHHC collection, please visit some of the command’s Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/navalhistory/sets/.   For more information on NHHC, visit www.history.navy.mil or its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/navalhistory.

ASSISTANT SCULPTURE AND DECORATIVE ARTS CONSERVATOR
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Conservator to join the Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservation Department in preservation and conservation of a wide range of objects, including sculpture, ethnographic objects, furniture, decorative arts and textiles.  This position will assist the Head of Objects Conservation with treatment, maintenance and preventive care for three-dimensional objects in the museum’s permanent collection through examination, technical analysis, conservation research, documentation and treatment of objects.   The successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to the highest conservation standards in order to preserve the integrity and historic significance of each work of art.  Also, he/she must demonstrate proficiency in high quality and aesthetically appropriate conservation treatments in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. The Assistant Conservator duties will include public relations and educational responsibilities such as conservation studio tours; speaking to visiting groups; assisting with workshops, seminars and lectures related to conservation; responding to public inquiries; and training museum staff in collections care.  He/she will also assist with the maintenance of departmental records through accurate written and photographic documentation.  For more information about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, please go to www.vmfa.museum.
Qualifications:  Applicants must have a graduate degree from a recognized art conservation training program, specializing in objects plus a minimum of 5 years postgraduate experience or equivalent experience, education, and training.  A minimum of one-year, full-time employment in an objects conservation laboratory setting under the supervision of an objects conservator is also required. The successful candidate must have a thorough knowledge of conservation principles and practices; knowledge of analytical techniques frequently used in conservation; and knowledge of safe methods of handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards.    He/she must demonstrate the ability to propose and perform treatments based on an evaluation of the aesthetic, historic, and scientific characteristics of a wide range of objects; the ability to document treatments in written and photographic form; and skill in writing clear, succinct and accurate condition and treatment reports and proposals.  He/she must be proficient in operating photographic and scientific equipment and conducting materials testing. Frequent domestic and/or international travel is likely required during the tenure of the successful candidate. Experience with word processing, spreadsheets and database software is also required. The selected candidate will have the ability to work independently and in concert with other museum co-workers and outside contractors. The successful candidate must be able to wear a respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges and successfully pass a security background check.
To apply, log onto the Commonwealth of Virginia Online Employment System at https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com to submit your application, letter of intent and resume no later than August 21, 2015. Please contact the HR office at 804.340.1485 if you need assistance. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. EOE

Conservator, Special Collections
New York University Libraries
Position Summary
Under the general direction of the Conservation Librarian, manage and execute conservation treatments to preserve, protect, and guarantee the survival and future accessibility of special collection materials. Supervise project staff; research, disseminate information, and provide guidance on all aspects of preservation to library staff. Participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery, and lab organization and maintenance.
New York University Libraries
Libraries at New York University serve the school’s 40,000 students and faculty and contain more than 5 million volumes. The Libraries supports NYU’s vision to become the first true Global Network University by collaborating and providing services to our 11 global academic centers and “portal campuses” in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.   New York University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the OCLC Research Library Partnership, and the HathiTrust. The Libraries participates in a variety of consortia and collaborates closely with Columbia University Libraries and the New York Public Library through the Manhattan Research Library Consortium.
The Special Collections at NYU
NYU’s Fales Library houses the Fales collection of rare books and manuscripts in English and American literature, as well as a wide range of objects and media in the Downtown Collection and other special collections. The Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives form a unique, internationally-known center for scholarly research on Labor and the Left: book, document, print, photograph, film, and oral history collections describe the history of the labor movement and how it relates to the broader struggle for economic, social, and political change. The New York University Archives serves as the final repository for the historical records of NYU. Its primary purpose is to document the history of the University, founded in 1831, and to provide source material for administrators, faculty, students, alumni, and other members of the University community, as well as scholars, authors, and other interested persons who seek to evaluate the impact of the University’s activities on the history of American social, cultural, and intellectual development.
Qualifications/Required Education
Graduate degree in conservation of books and archival materials, including a minimum of one year internship under the direction of an experienced conservator and/or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience Required:
Minimum 4 years of conservation experience managing conservation projects and working with special collections materials is required.
Preferred Experience:
Supervising of interns and/or employees. Successful project management experience. 3 years of professional conservation experience in a research library or similar academic setting.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of current book and paper conservation techniques; professional conservation principles and ethical standards as defined by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) Code of Ethic and Guidelines for Practice for Conservation of Historic &Artistic Works); the history of the book; techniques of bookbinding and papermaking; chemistry as it applies to the conservation of library and archival collections; optimal collection storage environments. Basic understanding of environment control systems. Proficiency using MS Office Suite (word processing, spreadsheet, database) and Adobe Photoshop. Proficiency using conservation and digital documentation equipment. Familiarity with health and safety laboratory standards, in particular those federal and local standard for working with toxic chemicals and for personal safety during mold remediation.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to contribute to the profession through teaching, research, and/or publication.
Salary/Benefits:
The position is a full-time professional position. Salary is commensurate with experience. Attractive benefits package and four weeks annual vacation.
To Apply:
Apply by August 28, 2015 online at:
www.nyucareers.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=60519  
NYU’s Division of Libraries embraces diversity and is committed to attracting qualified candidates who also embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. NYU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Position: Scientific and staff director for the Archaeological Excavation of the Roman Baths in the ancient city of Carsulae in San Gemini, (Umbria) Italy. 
Professor Jane Whitehead, current director of archaeological excavations, along with the Associazione Valorizzazione del Patrimonio Storico and the San Gemini Preservation Studies Program (SGPS) are searching for a new scientific director for the excavation of the Roman Baths in the ancient city of Carsuale in San Gemini, Italy.
Professor Whitehead, who has directed the Carsulae excavation since 2004, is planning her retirement and, together with the excavation’s partner organizations, is searching for a new scientific director and partner university who would phase into that position over a period of three years.
Position Description:

1. Scientific direction of the excavation
2. Maintaining official contacts with the Soprintendenza Archeologica dell’Umbria
3. Direction of excavation staff
4. Public relations for the excavation both in Italy and in North America

In finding a new director for the excavation, we also hope to find a university that is interested in the San Gemini programs. We are looking to collaborate with an institution on the archeological development of the baths at Carsulae and also on a multi-disciplinary study of cultural heritage involving several departments, including archaeology, history, art history, anthropology, and architectural preservation.
We would therefore request that those individuals qualified and interested in this position present to us the ways their department and university would be interested in participating in this project.
Requirements of Director of Excavation:

1. PhD or analogous degree in Archaeology
2. On-going faculty position at a US university
3. Ability to speak and write Italian well enough to clearly interact with the Italian public administration
4. Experience in excavation in Italy
5. Familiarity with the excavation and recording methods required by the Soprintendenza Archeologica in Italy
6. Ability to carry out the various administrative activities required in managing the excavation and by the Italian public administration
7. Willingness to carry out public relations on behalf of the excavation both in Italy and the US
8. Commitment to at least five excavation seasons at Carsulae
9. Willingness to work on a three year transition period with Professor Jane Whitehead

Requirements of the Sponsoring University:

1. Commitment to participate in the excavation with their faculty and students for at least 5 years
2. Commitment of funds toward the restoration and conservation of the archaeological site and the objects found at the Carsulae excavation
3. One or more departments to collaborate in the various courses and the research being carried out by the San Gemini Preservation Studies program
4. Collaboration with the Valorizzazione and the City of San Gemini
5. Willingness to offer academic credit for SGPS courses
6. Accreditation as academic sponsor for the excavation program

 Phase in Period: 
The first year will involve getting acquainted with other faculty from the university. The new director will spend a season becoming familiar with the excavation, stored finds and with the various programs offered by SGPS and the Valorizzazione.  If at the end of this first season all parties are satisfied, the phase-in process will continue for the next two years.
In the second and third years the new director will become co-director and start excavating in a new section of the site while Jane Whitehead will focus on those parts of the excavation she has already begun with the intention to complete that work. Prof. Whitehead will focus a proportionally larger amount of her time writing and publishing her final excavation report of the work.
In the fourth year the new director will become full director of the excavation. Jane Whitehead may still continue working on her part of the work beyond 2018 if she feels it is necessary to complete the work and publication.
For more information about the Excavation of the Roman Bath at Carsulae see description below contained in this posting and http://www.valdosta.edu/~jwhitehe/Carsulaeweb/Carsulae_home.htm. For more information about the San Gemini Preservation Studies programs visit our website.
Please forward this notice to anyone you think may be interested in this position. Anyone interested in finding out more about applying should contact Polly Withers at pwithers@iirpsemail.org.
Carsulae
The impressive ruins of the Roman city of Carsulae are located a short distance from Terni and from the town of San Gemini, known for its mineral springs. Carsulae grew up along the via Flaminia, which was built in 220-219 B.C. and connected Rome to the Adriatic Sea. The road attracted the settlement of pre-Roman inhabitants from the surrounding hills. The beauty of the site is mentioned by Tacitus and Pliny the Younger. The town was abandoned after a severe earthquake and never reoccupied, so many important structures, including twin temples, an amphitheater, a theater, the Arch of San Damiano, and monumental tombs, as well as the ancient urban plan, remain well preserved.
The Baths
The Roman baths, which lie at the threshold of the southern entrance to the city, were first partially excavated in the 1950s by the then-superintendent of archaeology, Umberto Ciotti. The site lay exposed until the winter of 2012 when a beautiful, protective roof was built over the central area of the bath. The goals of our project are to consolidate the exposed remains and to explore the structure further in order to determine its entire plan and the form of its earliest phase, which, if contemporary with the founding of the city, may be one of the oldest Roman baths in existence. In fact, our most recent excavations have revealed Roman reuse of massive structures that appear to be earlier than the traditionally accepted date of the founding of the city. We are also investigating the possibility that the baths had a distinctive function as a place of healing.
Polygonal Wall
Recent seasons have also focused on a wall of opus polygonale to the east of the bath structure. It consists of two perpendicular arms, one leading toward a cistern in opus caementicium, which served the baths in the Imperial period, and the other toward a flight of five steps, which appear to lead up to the via Flaminia. The former has revealed an extension in wattle and daub: a transitional wall between the polygonal wall and the concrete-built cistern. The latter arm is overlaid with a shallow pool in tile-paved concrete, which may be a public fountain at the southern entrance to the city. All three zones within the current excavation area have revealed various forms of masonry construction, which indicate long use and many centuries of rebuilding.
Carsulae Archaelogical Park
The Carsuale Archeological site is one of the most attractive, best maintained archaeological parks in Umbria. It is managed by the Sovrintendenza Archelogica dell’Umbria. The entire perimeter of the ancient city is fenced in and has on site 24 hour security, the park also has storage facilities and a small conservatory. The site is open to the public all year and there is a parking area, a visitor center, with an interpretative area and a café. At the bath excavation area the new 6000sf. clear span roof protects from the weather both the classical structures and the archaeologists as they work, not interfering with the viewing and measuring of the site.
See The FastiOnline web page: http://www.fastionline.org/micro_view.php?fst_cd=AIAC_1027&curcol=sea_cd-AIAC_5549
 
 

Paintings Conservator (The Contractor)
One year contract with extension options
National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)

The National Museum of African American History and Culture of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., is accepting quotes for paintings conservation work beginning in September of 2015 providing professional, non-personnel services. The contractor is not an employee of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Contractor will support the exciting and groundbreaking journey that will culminate in the opening of the new NMAAHC on the National Mall in 2016. The Contractor will undertake a wide range of treatment and preventive conservation on modern and contemporary paintings in acrylic, alkyd, oil, wax oil, and mixed media on a variety of supports. Work will be done in collaboration with the paintings conservation studio of the Museum Conservation Institute.
Conservation procedures include treatment; examination; condition survey; technical analysis of materials and structure; preventive conservation including handling, display, housing and environmental control; and documentation and reporting.  Additional conservation procedures include organization and maintenance of conservation supplies, equipment and chemicals according to safety guidelines, obtaining product information and testing materials for treatment.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
The examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of assigned works of paintings; condition examination of works and complete survey reports; assistance in the storage and display of paintings
Requirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills: demonstrated excellence in performing multifaceted paintings conservation treatments; excellent manual skills; working knowledge of chemical and material sciences for binder analysis; knowledge of preservation standards for display, storage, and environmental conditions; ability to devise conservation strategies with knowledge of the artists, the paintings, and the materials and techniques; ability to work effectively and constructively both independently and as part of a team; attention to laboratory activities; excellent skills in verbal and written communication; strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines and achieve goals; willingness to accept supervision and guidance
Knowledge and Education:
A graduate degree in Paintings Conservation (a Masters or Certificate/Masters) from an accredited university. A minimum of three years post graduate training in paintings conservation, or a minimum of five years of professional conservation experience.
Please request Statement of Work (SOW) and Request for Quote (RFQ) from Dr. Renee S. Anderson, Head of Collections, NMAAHC AndersonRS@Si.edu. The quote submission deadline is July 20, 2015.

Job Title:       Conservator of Objects, Part-Time
Open Period: Open Until Filled
WHO WE ARE
Artex is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive fine art service provider to museums, galleries, auction houses and private collectors. We specialize in the safe handling of fine art, antiques and museum objects of all kinds. We provide transportation, crating and packing, storage, installation, rigging, and conservation services to museums, galleries, and auction houses, as well as private and corporate collections. No matter the size or scope of the job, we provide solutions that meet or exceed the expectations of our clients, while ensuring them the most cost effective service possible. For this reason, ARTEX routinely chooses to handle the most complex and demanding of projects, ranging from entire museum relocations to the shipment of an individual piece.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Director of Conservation, the part-time Conservator of Objects will be responsible for carrying out the examination, documentation and treatment of sculpture and historic artifacts of stone, metal, ceramic, glass or organic material.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Carry out physical examination and documentation of artworks on behalf of ARTEX Fine Art Services by:

• Surveying the physical condition of artwork to develop treatment plan;
• Performing detailed examination of three-dimensional works of art and cultural heritage;
• Operating specialized equipment, such as microscopes, ultraviolet and infrared imaging and analytical instrumentation in the course of artwork examination and analysis;
• Preparing written reports on the materials, structure, and condition of artworks, and on treatments for permanent records;
• Performing digital photography as well as image processing;
• Adhering to accepted professional standards and to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice in all aspects of examination and documentation.

2. Carry out complete conservation and restoration procedures of minor to major complexity on works three-dimensional works of art and cultural heritage, by:

• Carrying out preventive and remedial conservation treatments including structural repairs, cleaning, coatings removal and replacement, protective mounts and frames, and climate control recommendations;
• Preparing artworks for safe display, exhibition, loan, photography, or storage, including knowledge of housing materials, hardware, and museum storage and display standards.
• Operating specialized conservation equipment such as compressed air tools such as airbrushes sprayers, and hand tools, heated suction tables, spatulas and pens, aerosol generator, etc. used in the course of specialized conservation work;
• Enforcing and maintaining the highest standards of health and safety when working with hazardous materials, chemicals, and while carrying out all duties.

3. Perform other related duties, as required, including but not restricted to:

• Providing consultation and advice on conservation needs;
• Providing conservation estimates;
• Scheduling conservation examinations, site visits, and projects;
• Coordinating with ARTEX transport, storage, and other services.

 
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate will possess the following education, experience and competencies and attributes as minimum qualifications:
EDUCATION: Master’s degree in Art Conservation, or equivalent combination of conservation training and experience.
EXPERIENCE: 5+ years of extensive experience in the examination and treatment of three-dimensional art and cultural heritage artifacts.
COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES: 

• Demonstrated working knowledge of materials, techniques, and ethics of artwork conservation;
• Extremely fine manual skills, coordination, and precision;
• High degree of patience, concentration, and attention to detail;
• Ability to carry out routine procedures that have a low degree of tolerance of error due to interruption, distraction, or effect of fatigue;
• Perception of subtle differences in materials and in changes as treatment proceeds;
• Sound / critical judgment in a work situation that has attendant and constant risks of damage to works of art;
• Demonstrated judgment regarding when to seek assistance or advice;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure of deadlines and departmental objectives relating to efficiency and productive use of work time;
• Ability to interact and work effectively with colleagues and clients as a positive and productive team member;
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the materials and techniques of traditional easel paintings on canvas, wood, and related supports;
• Thorough understanding of the mechanisms of physical, chemical, and biological deterioration of materials making up artworks;
• Sound knowledge of the principles, processes, and practices involved in the preservation and treatment of artworks, both traditional and the most recent developments;
• Understanding of safe handling, framing, crating, shipping and exhibition practices;
• Administrative skills including processing of written and photographic documentation, ordering or purchasing of materials and equipment, and many aspects of project assistance or coordination as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE (strongly preferred): 

• Advanced skills in:  examining artworks to establish their physical condition; distinguishing between original materials and later additions, recommending conservation measures and carrying through to completion restoration operations of minor to major complexity;
• Knowledge of the materials and techniques of modern artworks in addition to traditional artworks;

• Experience in a major fine art gallery or museum.

COMPENSATION:
The compensation package will be commensurate with education and experience.
HOW TO APPLY
If you feel that you possess the experience and qualifications outlined, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary requirements to our HR department at jobs_dc@artexfas.com for immediate review/consideration.

Please put “Conservator of Objects – PT” in subject line.
Consideration will be granted ONLY to those who possess the minimum requirements as stipulated. Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.  Artex, Inc. is a federal contractor and an EOE AA M/F/VET/DISABLED employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, medical condition or disability or protected veteran status.  If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (301) 350-5500.