Author: Brittany Dismuke

ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PAPER CONSERVATOR
The Saint Louis Art Museum seeks a collegial, collaborative, and energetic Paper Conservator to join its dynamic Conservation team. SLAM’s collection of works in the prints, drawings and photography collection spans centuries with numerous works by both Eastern and Western masters. This Individual will report to the Head of Conservation and will supervise the Conservation Technician and grant-funded Interns. An ideal candidate will have a broad and solid foundation in paper conservation techniques and be capable of  collaborating with other conservation staff to solve unique preservation challenges. A successful candidate will delight in the opportunity to oversee the conservation of masterworks and will have the attention to treatment and general preservation details that such works require. The Candidate will also have an excellent sense of Project Management and conscientious observations of deadlines. As the Museum’s conservator of paper, the candidate will be expected to plan, supervise, and participate in the conservation and restoration of works on paper in the collections of the Saint Louis Art Museum; to advise the Museum generally on the care of these collections; and to assist in determining conservation policy for the Museum.
 DUTIES, WORK PERFORMED

• Periodically examine and appraise physical condition of the Museum’s permanent collections:
  • Assess deterioration and damage, and problems involved in remedial treatment.
  • Design and carry out conservation treatment in consultation with the Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs.
  • Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed.
  • Recommend other Conservators outside his or her field of expertise and review their treatment proposals.
  • Advise on preventative maintenance in the Museum as a whole in the areas of environment, handling, storage, and installation.
  • Examine works on paper prior to acquisition to aid the Curatorial staff in determining their physical and aesthetic condition, as well as their authenticity.
  • Examine works requested for loan to determine suitability for travel and to document their condition, and advise the Registrar and others on any special packing and shipping considerations.
  • Supervise the technician assigned to the Department of Prints, Drawings and Photographs, and in particular, review the design and fabrication of mats and frames for the collection. Advise the Registrar and Curators on the installation, storage and maintenance of works on paper in the collection.
• Administer the Paper Conservation Lab:
  • Assist in preparing, monitoring and controlling the departmental budget
  • Recommend acquisition of new equipment
  • Monitor and order conservation supplies

QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified applicants must have a degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and a minimum of 8-10 years conservation experience in paper conservation is required.  Prefer at least 2 years’ experience in administration and staff supervision.
The above statements of this job description describe the general duties and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They do not claim to describe all of the functions of this position. Employees may be assigned other duties and the essential functions may change or be changed from time to time.
The Saint Louis Art Museum (www.slam.org) is one of the top ten comprehensive art museums in America, based on the scope and quality of its collection. The museum has four modern conservation labs in the areas of objects, paintings, paper and textiles, in addition to an active Print Study Room.
Applicants must apply online at Paper Conservator – Apply Here or at www.slamcareers.org
The position will remain open until filled.
EOE
 
 

UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO
Position Title: Paintings Conservator
Reports to: Art Curator
Position Summary: Responsible for all examination, maintenance, preventative conservation measures and conservation treatments of the art collection of the Union League Club of Chicago. Provides support to the Art Department in exhibition, loan, acquisition, and collection management initiatives.
Essential Functions:

• Conducts annual collection survey. In consultation with Curator, creates, maintains, and updates conservation priority list.

• Responsible for all painting conservation treatments, and consults with Curator on an ongoing basis during course of treatment. Responsible for all written documentation as well as photographic documentation of conservation projects. Researches and advises on care of all other objects in collection.

• In charge of regular maintenance (such as dusting and cleaning glass, etc.) and preventive conservation measures for all works in the collection to protect art and keep safe from hazards (attach painting backing boards, new hardware, examine and advise on environmental/lighting issues and room setups).

• Alerts curator to environmental conditions and lighting conditions that may be hazardous to art work and suggests ways to improve these conditions.

• Interacts with Art Committee, as appropriate, advising of progress on specific treatments and on the priority list as a whole.

• Maintains and updates conservation and collection data in the collection management database (TMS).

• Examines artwork requested for loan (outgoing and incoming) and prepares objects for travel (including treatment). Prepares outgoing and incoming condition reports (written and visual documentation). Alerts curator to any changes that may be the result of travel and/or improper handling and care.

• Advises and assists with safe handling, storage, and installation of paintings, as needed by curator.

• Alerts staff to proper method of handling and moving art work and to potential hazards to art work (such as easels too close to paintings, steam tables directly underneath artwork). Apprises curator of all such hazards.

• Occasionally gives lectures about various conservation topics to membership and writes articles for State of the Union ULC member magazine) or website.

• Keeps informed on new conservation techniques, technology, and theory through membership in professional organizations, reading, workshops, and interaction with other conservators.

• In conjunction with the curator, monitors conservation budget and makes recommendation for equipment for future planning.

• Performs all other duties as assigned by the employer.

Qualifications and Skills:
Education: Graduate Degree from recognized conservation institution w/specialization in paintings conservation.
Experience: Minimum 3 years work experience (post-graduate work).
Additional Skills: Proven experience using different conservation methods, strong research, superior organizational skills, strong communication and public speaking skills. Working knowledge of TMS collection database system a plus. Digital photography proficiency. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Professional and friendly demeanor, sense of humor, along with a strong work ethic is required.
Contact information:
Kathy Mirek, HR Generalist
kmirek@ulcc.org
(312) 435-4816
Options for applying are:
-Faxing your resume to (312) 435-5971 with a cover page specifying your position of interest
-Emailing resume to kmirek@ulcc.org
-Filling out an application at our security entrance: 312 Federal St. Chicago, IL 60604

2016 – 2017 Sherman Fairchild Post Graduate-Fellowship in Conservation*
(Full-time)
Job Responsibilities
The Morgan Library & Museum announces a one-year renewable post-graduate fellowship in the Thaw Conservation Center.  The Sherman Fairchild Post-Graduate Fellowship in Conservation provides a junior professional with the opportunity to apply the principles of paper and book conservation acquired through an accredited graduate program in museum/library conservation or equivalent work/life experience.  The Fellow will carry out examination, documentation, analysis, treatment, and research on the Morgan’s magnificent collections of drawings, rare books, and literary, historical, and music manuscripts, and will contribute significantly to the institution’s program of exhibitions.  Participating in all Center activities, the Fellow will gain professional experience in paper and/or book conservation while commencing a conservation career.
The Thaw Conservation Center is a major resource in New York City for the conservation and technical study of works on paper and bound materials (themorgan.org).
The Fellowship term will begin in September 2016.  It is renewable for one additional year.
Deadline for applications: February 1, 2016
Qualifications

• Applicants should be graduates of a recognized graduate-level program in conservation or be able to demonstrate the acquisition of equivalent skills and knowledge through work/life experience.  A portfolio of treatments and research projects is required of all applicants.

• Candidates should possess strong public speaking and written communications skills.

• The Fellow should have a demonstrated commitment to the profession of conservation and scholarly advancement.

Compensation: Annual compensation is $38,125.00 plus benefits.  Details on compensation and the hiring process will be provided to those selected for interviews.
To apply: Applicants should submit electronically a cover letter addressing their interest in the Fellowship, including a statement of career goals and areas of particular interest; curricula vitae; and three letters of recommendation to Margaret Holben Ellis, Director, Thaw Conservation Center at tcc@themorgan.org.
*Generously underwritten by the Sherman Fairchild Foundation, Inc.

Boston Furniture Archive – Summer Internships in Massachusetts
The Boston Furniture Archive, a project of the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, seeks interns for its third annual summer field cataloging project, scheduled for June 1-August 23, 2016. Up to four interns will receive training and work as a team to document furniture at a number of museums and heritage sites in the Boston area. The internship is an exciting opportunity to build knowledge of material culture and decorative arts, museum and non-profit collections management, and database creation.
The Boston Furniture Archive is free, online database that provides catalog information and photographs of furniture produced in Boston between 1630 and 1930. Visit http://bostonfurniture.winterthur.org/ to access the database and learn more about the project.
Interns will receive a stipend of $5,000 plus $1,000 for travel over the twelve weeks. Housing is not provided.
Please visit  http://www.winterthur.org/pdfs/boston_furniture_internship.pdf for more information and application instructions. Applications are due February 1, 2016.
Contact:
Sarah Parks
Project Manager, Boston Furniture Archive
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
sparks (at) winterthur.org
302-888-4639

The National Archives and Records Administration (Washington DC area) will be announcing opening for two GS-11/12 Conservators.  These are permanent full time positions with areas of focus in book and paper records of archival significance.  Duties include the assessment and treatment of paper-based and bound records to permit access, digitization, and exhibition; preventive conservation; and training other conservators, conservation technicians, and interns in conservation techniques.  The postings will open January 4 and close Friday, January 15, 2016.  Please check USAJOBS on January 4 for more information about the positions and the application process, or let us know if you would like us to send you a link when the positions are posted.
We are also projecting postings for two additional GS 13 positions with areas of specialty focused on conservation support of digitization or exhibition.
For additional information, please contact either Terry.Boone@nara.gov or Amy.Lubick@nara.gov.

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.