Month: December 2015

JOB TITLE: Director of Conservation
SCHEDULED DAYS/HOURS: Full Time- 35 hours/week                       
Job Description: The Director of Conservation will lead Winterthur’s Conservation Department comprising 19 full-time conservation, scientific, and allied professionals in establishing regional and national prominence in conservation and scientific research and practice.  S/he will provide leadership for the documentation, analysis, conservation treatment, and preventive care of Winterthur’s museum, garden and library collections.  S/he will enhance the support and visibility of the department and its associated professional partnerships through advocacy and development. The Director of Conservation will provide strategic support and direction to the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation, a Master’s-level graduate program co-sponsored by Winterthur and the University of Delaware. This positon offers a unique and exciting opportunity in conservation leadership and education in the midst of a pre-eminent collection of 89,000 objects made and used in the North American colonies and the United States and over 500,000 documents, books, manuscripts and images in Winterthur’s research library.  The facilities include paper, furniture, objects, textiles, library and archival materials, and paintings conservation laboratories, a photographic documentation studio, a well-equipped scientific analytical laboratory, and a student workshop.
Job Requirements:  A Master’s degree in conservation combined with eight years of effective conservation management and leadership experience is required.  A Ph. D. in preservation studies or a related field is preferred.  Demonstrated teaching and scholarly achievement, including evidence of original research, publications, or other projects that demonstrate intellectual ability, innovation, and accomplishment in a relevant field, is mandatory. The Director of Conservation is expected to be adept in grant writing and overseeing grant-funded projects.  S/he is to be committed to engaging in conservation on an international level.  The successful candidate will demonstrate (1) excellent interpersonal and communication skills with staff, students, museum and university colleagues, donors, and the general public (2) creative thinking and solutions-based problem-solving, and (3) superior organizational abilities with a high attention to detail.  A proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently while managing multiple tasks simultaneously is required.
Salary will be commensurate with experience. To apply, send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, writing sample and three professional references familiar with your conservation experience to: jobs@winterthur.org. Deadline for applications: January 22, 2016.

The Migelien Gerritzen Fellowship for conservation research

Predoctoral Fellowship

The Migelien Gerritzen Fonds / Rijksmuseum Fonds will annually or biennially enable one predoctoral candidate to conduct conservation research or technical PhD-research on art works and historical artefacts. This is a one-year Fellowship, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year. It will welcome applicants who are either conservators or scientists. The Fellow’s progress will be assessed in consultation with his/her supervisors at the university and the Rijksmuseum, to determine if the renewal of the Fellowship for a second year is desirable. The Fellowship will preferably result in a publication, the content and form of which will be decided by the Fellow and his/her academic supervisors in consultation with the Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum will provide working space for the Fellows, in order to stimulate an exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. Access will be provided to all necessary information in the museum, as well as to the library, conservation laboratories of the Rijksmuseum and the University of Amsterdam.

Eligibility

• The Migelien Gerritzen Fellowship supports individuals engaged in postgraduate studies leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (DSc) degree. whose research is compatible with the Fellowship position. The candidate has to have a university-affiliated supervisor.
• Fellowships are open to candidates of all nationalities and with varied specialisms. They may include conservators and scientists.
• Candidates should have proven research capabilities, academic credentials and excellent written and spoken knowledge of two languages (English and preferably Dutch or German).

Funding

Fellowship stipends are awarded to help support a Fellow’s study and research efforts during the tenure of their appointment. The stipend of €33,000 (less applicable taxes and deductions) is for a period of twelve months commencing 1 September 2016, the start of the academic year. It is funded by an endowment legacy. The Fellowship will allow for limited travel for research in art collections and archives elsewhere in Europe to a maximum value of €5,000 annually. This is a one-year Fellowship, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year.

Application and procedure

Complete applications have to be submitted through the online application system. Please follow the link below to learn about the required documents for application.

Apply here

The closing date for all applications is 13 March 2016, at 6:00 p.m. (Amsterdam time/CET). No applications will be accepted after this deadline. All applications must be submitted online and in English. Applications or related materials delivered via email, postal mail, or in person will not be accepted.
Selection will be made by an international committee in April 2016. The committee consists of eminent scholars in the relevant fields of study from European universities and institutions, and members of the curatorial and conservation staff of the Rijksmuseum. Applicants will be notified by 1 May 2016. All Fellowships will start in September 2016.

Further information

• For questions concerning the application procedure, contact Marije Spek, Coordinator of the Fellowship Programme (m.spek@rijksmuseum.nl), +31 (0)20-6747395.
• For questions concerning the Migelien Gerritzen Fellowship, contact Robert van Langh, Head of the Conservation Department (r.van.langh@rijksmuseum.nl), +31 (0)20 6747233

2016 Summer Internships at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute
The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is offering short-term opportunities to work on research and conservation projects with staff members. The internships are intended mainly for the summer of 2016, but consideration will be given to projects at other times during the year.  Preference will be given to applicants currently enrolled in conservation training programs or graduate students in related subjects. A stipend may be offered for a period of up to 10 weeks.  Projects will be supervised by the following staff members, whom applicants are urged to contact in advance of application:
Mary Ballard, Senior Textiles Conservator, 301-238-1210, ballardm@si.edu
Elena Charola, Research Scientist (biodeterioration, stone), 301-238-1213, charolaa@si.edu
Paula DePriest, Deputy Director (biodeterioration), 301-238-1206, depriestp@si.edu
Janet G. Douglas, Head of Technical Studies (analysis of cultural heritage), 301-238-1238, douglja@si.edu
Christine France, Research Physical Scientist (stable isotopes), 301-238-1261, francec@si.edu
Carol Grissom, Senior Objects Conservator, 301-238-1236, grissomc@si.edu
Jessica S. Johnson, Head of Conservation (disaster management and recovery training), 301-238-1218, johnsonjs@si.edu
Rebecca Kaczkowski, Preventive Conservator, 301-238-1242, kaczkowskir@si.edu
Gwénaëlle Kavich, Conservation Scientist (technical studies: XRF, FTIR, Py-GC-MS), 301-238-1265, kavichgm@si.edu
Robert Koestler, Director (biodeterioration), 301-238-1205, koestlerr@si.edu
Thomas Lam, Physical Scientist (technical studies: SEM-EDS, XRF) 301-238-1238, lamt@si.edu (after January 25)
Nicole Little, Physical Scientist (technical studies: ICP-MS, XRD), 301-238-1243, littlen@si.edu
Odile Madden, Research Scientist (modern materials, plastic, Raman spectroscopy), 301-             238-1257, maddeno@si.edu
Dawn Rogala, Paintings Conservator (modern paints, artists’ materials research/archives), 301-238-1255, rogalad@si.edu
Jia-Sun Tsang, Senior Paintings Conservator (modern and contemporary art conservation), 301-238-1231, tsangj@si.edu
Ed Vicenzi, Research Scientist (spectroscopic imaging/microscopy), 301-238-1215, vicenzie@si.edu
Keats Webb, Digital Imaging Specialist (advanced imaging), 301-238-1212, webbekeats@si.edu
Applications must be made on line through SOLAA (https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html) by February 25, 2016; select the option for the Museum Conservation (MCI) Internship Program.

2016 Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Archaeological and Museum Conservation Science at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute
Supported by NSF REU Sites Program
MCI is accepting applications for 2016, contingent on continued funding
Application deadline is February 25, 2016
The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute in conjunction with the NSF REU Sites Program is offering short-term opportunities for undergraduates to work on research projects with staff members of its technical studies and research group, contingent on continued funding.  The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is the center for specialized technical collections research and conservation for all Smithsonian museums, collections, and research centers.  MCI combines state-of-the-art instrumentation and scientific techniques to provide technical research and characterization of objects.
Internships will take place during the summer.  Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a university program or scheduled to matriculate in the fall term following the internship.  Acceptable majors include, but are not limited to:  museum studies, art history, archaeology, paleontology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, ecology, earth science, chemical engineering, and materials science engineering.  Basic chemistry and mathematical coursework is preferred; laboratory experience is not required.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  A stipend will be offered for a period of 10 weeks starting in late May or early June.
Projects will be supervised by one of the following staff members in their specific project area.  Applicants are strongly urged to contact potential advisors in advance of application.  Students are also welcomed to propose projects of their choosing contingent upon agreement of a staff member to advise the project.
Janet Douglas, Head of Technical Studies, 301-238-1238, douglja@si.edu
Materials, technology, and provenance studies of museum collections; technical and mineralogical studies of jades; characterization of artist’s painting materials and their degradation.
Christine France, Research Physical Scientist, 301-238-1261, francec@si.edu
Analyses of human and animal remains using stable isotope mass spectrometry to determine diet, provenance, demographics, and state of diagenetic alteration.
Gwenaelle Kavich, Physical Scientist, 301-238-1265, kavichgm@si.edu
Materials, technology, and provenance studies of museum collections; characterization of artist’s painting materials and their degradation.
Nicole Little, Physical Scientist, 301-238-1243, littlen@si.edu
Environmental studies of heavy metals using time of flight inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy to determine provenance, diet, and demographics; materials, technology, and provenance studies of museum collections
Odile Madden, Research Scientist, 301-238-1257, maddeno@si.edu
Analytical study of natural and synthetic polymeric materials in cultural heritage (including plastics) using Raman, FTIR, and/or XRF spectroscopies, visible light and scanning electron microscopy, and other techniques; analysis of bone and tooth diagenesis in natural settings and collections.

1. Keats Webb, Digital Imaging Specialist, 301-238-1212, webbekeats@si.edu

Advanced imaging of heritage objects using 2D- and 3D-imaging techniques as well as optical imaging beyond the range of human vision.
Edward Vicenzi, Research Scientist, 301-238-1215, vicenzie@si.edu
Spectroscopic imaging of natural and manufactured materials; mineralogical studies of jades; materials, technology, and provenance studies of museum collections.
Applications must be made on line at https://solaa.si.edu.  Selected candidates will be interviewed by telephone, although MCI visits are welcome.  Notifications will be sent by April 15.

Preservation Services Manager
Center for Jewish History 
Position description:
The Center for Jewish History is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Preservation Services Manager. This position manages the Preservation Services department which offers conservation treatment and re-housing of archival, library and photographic materials, exhibition consultation, and preventive conservation services for the partner’s collections.
The Center for Jewish History is a cultural institution, independent research facility and destination for the exploration of Jewish history and heritage. It is home to five partner organizations: American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. The partners’ archival collections span more than 700 years of history and total over 500,000 books and 30,000 linear feet of records. The collections also include thousands of artworks, textiles, ritual objects, recordings, films and photographs.
Reporting to the Senior Manager for Collection Services, this position will work directly with the Archival Services Manager and Digital Services Manager around joint processing, digitization and conservation projects. The role requires a close working relationship with the partner collection managers to determine their treatment priorities, advise on and collaborate in all aspects of collection care; and Building Services for environmental monitoring and other preventive conservation projects.
The successful applicant will be a dynamic team leader and a forward-thinking and professionally engaged conservation manager. They will have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a rapidly changing team-based environment.  The ability to formulate and implement innovative approaches and solutions to problems, communicate complex ideas to a wide range of audiences, and to speak and write clearly, concisely, and persuasively is important. Exceptional organizational, analytical, and interpersonal communication, time and project management skills, and a strong commitment to the improvement of preservation and collection services will be essential for success in this position.
Responsibilities include:

• Planning and managing workflows through the conservation lab and determining priorities for conservation treatment, re-housing, exhibitions and preventive conservation
• Developing, maintaining and implementing procedures and training manuals; evaluating processes and outputs, ensuring that treatment standards are met and implementing modifications to improve quality and effectiveness; training and supervising lab staff, volunteers and interns
• Tracking budget expenses and materials; maintaining department statistics and preparing reports; maintaining treatment records and database systems
• Directing and carrying out environmental monitoring and preventive conservation activities
• Directing condition surveys on both item and collection level as appropriate, devising and implementing short and long term preservation strategies based on assessment
• Advising on exhibition and loan of collection material to ensure its safety and care, including packaging for transport, security, length of display, mounting, lighting and environmental conditions
• Providing emergency preparedness and disaster recovery leadership
• Examining, documenting, and conducting complex conservation treatment of a wide range of paper-based archival , library and photographic material
• Following best practices and standards for treatments; keeping current about the latest conservation techniques and practices through research and training
• Assisting in identifying grant opportunities and in the preparation of grant applications and funding proposals for collection-related needs
• Supporting staff, patron, and community engagement through outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and other training for Center and/or external audiences, and social media

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in paper or book conservation
• Minimum five years experience conserving paper-based materials
• Experience in preservation project management
• Knowledge of preservation theory and standards of conservation practice
• Experience supervising and managing collaborative teams
• Experience with technology-based management tools
• Good organizational, time management and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies, including collection managers, archivists, librarians, building operations staff, and administration

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with library or archival material
• Experience with budget development, and tracking budgets and expenditures

To Apply:
Review of applications will begin immediately. First consideration will be given to applications received by Sunday December 27. Please direct questions and applications (cover letter addressing each of the selection criteria, resume and salary requirements) to:
Felicity Corkill
Preservation Services Manager
Center for Jewish History
15 West 16^th Street
New York, NY 10011
fcorkill [at] cjh_org
No phone calls please. Candidates invited for interview will be required to present a conservation portfolio of projects and treatments, and the contact details of three references.