Category: Job, Internship, & Fellowship Postings

Job Opening: Assistant Scientist

The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), located in Los Angeles, California, and one of the operating programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust, works internationally to advance conservation practice in the visual arts, broadly interpreted to include objects, collections, architecture, and sites. The GCI serves the conservation community through scientific research, education and training, model field projects, and the broad dissemination of the results of both its own work and the work of others in the field. In all its endeavors, the GCI focuses on the creation and dissemination of knowledge that will benefit the professionals and organizations responsible for the conservation of the world’s cultural heritage.
The GCI’s Science Department is seeking an individual to fill the position of Assistant Scientist, within the Technical Studies research group. This research group focuses on the scientific study of objects from the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum (JPGM) and other partner institutions to further the understanding and preservation of these works in collaboration with conservators and curators; to disseminate our findings through professional publications and conferences; and to contribute to the GCI’s work in advancing the field of conservation through the organization of seminars; symposia and workshops. Please see:
http://www.getty.edu/conservation/our_projects/science/coll_res/index.html
Responsibilities: Reporting to the Technical Studies research head, the Assistant Scientist will work primarily with the antiquities, sculpture and decorative arts conservation departments from the JPGM, for the study of stone, metal, glass and ceramics. Successful candidates will be expected to
conduct scientific analyses and research on works of art using the wide range of chemical and instrumental techniques available at the GCI. In addition, independent research projects that further the understanding or preservation of works of art, collaborating with other cultural or academic institutions as appropriate, may be developed.
Qualifications: The Assistant Scientist must have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other natural science, Master’s degree preferred; 1-3 years of experience in scientific research, preferably in the field of cultural heritage. Hands-on familiarity with: taking, mounting and analyzing cross-sections;
materials analysis using analytical instrumental techniques such as XRF, Raman and multispectral imaging; polarized and UV microscopy; and scanning electron microscopy is strongly desired as well as experience with ICP-MS, isotope analysis, TEM, XRD, and synchrotron spectroscopies (i.e., XANES, EXAFS). The successful candidate must be adaptable, analytical, and a creative problem-solver and thinker; able to work effectively in a highly collaborative and variable environment; have conservation training or experience working with conservators in a conservation science laboratory; and possess excellent organization, communication, and writing skills.
An excellent benefits package and salary commensurate with experience will be provided.
To apply, please see: https://jobs-getty.icims.com/jobs/2478/assistant-scientist/job. All applicants should be prepared to upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae as a single file (either a PDF or a Word document) when prompted to upload a Resume online. Candidates who successfully complete
the online application process will receive an automated message from “autoreply@icims.com”. If you have specific questions about the Assistant Scientist position, please email gcistaffing@getty.edu.

Deadline for applications is May 8, 2015.

JOB VACANCY 

Conservation Engineer, Objects

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Under the general direction of the Head of Objects Conservation and the chair of Conservation and Collections Management, the Conservation Engineer will perform duties related to monumental sculpture projects including their preparation for exhibition, transport, and storage, as well as aspects of conservation. Essential functions include: research materials, develop, design, and fabricate object mounts and mounting systems for large-scale objects and architectural elements, both ancient and modern, for display and storage; work with structural engineers contracted for specific oversize object projects in the development of support systems and earthquake mitigation methods; attend exhibition planning meetings, assist in budget preparations, present installation requirements, provide mounting solutions, and communicate with project managers, designers, conservators, registrars, and facilities staff; supervise the movement of large-scale objects, and design and execute packing and transport systems; install and oversee installation of large-scale objects; in consultation with associated curators and conservators, and with assistance as required, conduct treatment and reconstruction of monumental sculpture and architecture; manage and perform regular maintenance for monumental sculpture in both outdoor and interior environments, including outdoor sculpture owned by the City of Boston; keep abreast of latest developments concerning area of specialty through professional publications, courses, and conferences; maintain written and photographic documentation of all work, and perform data entry as required in Artemis, the Museum’s database management system (training provided); create and produce mounting records and reports; order and maintain shop materials and equipment; travel as courier to install or deinstall exhibitions.
Candidates must have a B.A. in art-related field or equivalent knowledge and experience, and a minimum of seven years of experience in art museum installations and art transport, with a focus on moving, handling, packing, and mounting of three-dimensional, large-scale objects. Candidates must have knowledge of: packing and crating; conservation issues related to display, packing, and shipping of art; earthquake damage mitigation; use of heavy equipment; fasteners and anchoring systems; mount fabrication techniques, including metalworking for brass, aluminum, and steel; mold-making and casting; use of synthetic adhesives, such as acrylics, epoxy resins, fiberglass, carbon fiber; pinning systems to join stone elements, setting of anchors and pins. The successful candidate must work well under pressure and as part of a team, have proven ability to work alone and be self-motivated, and give directions to and oversee others in execution of large-scale object handling. Candidates must possess reasonable physical strength, dexterity, and stamina.
This is a full-time term position (with full-time benefits) through June 30, 2016.
Application materials are being accepted immediately. For consideration, please submit letter of interest and résumé to: resumes@mfa.org

Application materials may also be submitted via postal mail to: Human Resources Department, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Confirmation of receipt of complete applications will be sent via e-mail. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce.

George Eastman House International Museum of Photography & Film located in Rochester, New York, seeks an experienced Chief Object Preparator to lead the Object Preparation Department and supervise a staff of two to three people.
In collaboration with curators and conservators, the Chief Object Preparator coordinates, handles and prepares all collection and borrowed materials for George Eastman House exhibitions, traveling exhibitions and loans. He or she collaborates with the Manager of Exhibitions to provide gallery preparation and installation support by the Object Preparation staff.
Other duties include condition reporting, stocking and purchasing supplies, supervising interns and volunteers and teaching students in the Photographic and Preservation and Collections Management Program.
For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.eastmanhouse.org/get-involved/employment.php#chief_obj
 

The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority welcomes exceptional talent with a passion to realize the vision and mission of making the West Kowloon Cultural District a prime local and international destination for arts, culture and entertainment.
We are currently recruiting a Conservator, Paper to join M+.
M+ is the new museum for visual culture in Hong Kong, as part of West Kowloon Cultural District, focusing on 20th and 21st century art, design and architecture and moving image. The M+ building is scheduled for completion in 2018.
Conservator, Paper (Ref:14032R1) (base in Hong Kong)
You are responsible for:

• supporting Collection & Exhibition Services Team by participating in a wide range of traditional conservation activities such as producing condition reports and treatment proposals, providing expert opinions on the condition of proposed acquisitions and works planned for loan and exhibition, conducting environmental monitoring and IPM, and ensuring preventive maintenance necessary for paper-based works of art, architectural drawings and photographic works;
• assisting with the development of conservation policies, procedures, protocols and workflows within the museum;
• participating in extended conservation/ preservation efforts such as developing guidelines for storage and display, best practices for conservation treatment, installation procedures and the proper care and handling of paper-based works;
• advising and training staff in best practices for the care, handling, display, storage, packing and shipping of paper-based works; and
• assisting with conservation lab planning and engaging as necessary in conservation and preservation-related special projects.

You should:

• possess a degree in conservation with demonstrated specialization in paper-based works of art from a recognized conservation training programme or equivalent;
• have at least 5 years of practical post-graduate experience with paper-based works; institutional / museum experience preferred, experience with photographic materials is desirable;
• be knowledgeable in modern and contemporary art, including materials and techniques, and demonstrate expertise in diverse conservation techniques and theories;
• be an innovative and enthusiastic team player with strong critical thinking and applied problem solving skills;
• have strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills  in English and preferably in Cantonese or Mandarin; and
• be proficient in MS Windows and/or Apple OS platforms.

 
For interested parties, please submit your application  along with your CV on or before 1 May 2015 via online application http://www.westkowloon.hk/careers or by mail quoting the reference number, name of the position, expected salary and your availability to:

Mr Galluf Yuen
West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
29/F, Tower 6, The Gateway
9 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Hong Kong

 
Data collected will only be used for job application processing. Applicants not being invited for interview within 4 weeks from 1 May 2015 may assume their applications unsuccessful.
All related information will be kept up to 24 months and all personal data will be destroyed afterwards.
For more information: http://www.westkowloon.hk or contact Mr Galluf Yuen at 852-2200-0123

Denver Art Museum Pre-program Internship in Outdoor Sculpture Conservation

The Denver Art Museum is offering two paid pre-program internships in the conservation of outdoor sculpture for the summer of 2015.  The internships will be 3 days per week, 7 hours per day, for 5 weeks, starting in mid- to late June.  Under the supervision of the conservator of modern and contemporary art, interns will learn and practice basic skills for the conservation of outdoor sculpture, including washing and waxing of bronzes and maintenance of painted surfaces, as well as written and photographic documentation techniques.
Qualifications for the internship include:
•An interest in art conservation as a career.
•Successful completion of some academic requirements for entry into a conservation graduate program.  Coursework may include but is not limited to chemistry, physics, studio art, and art history classes.
•Ability to handle collection objects with care.
•Ability to exercise critical thinking.
•Willingness to take direction and execute accordingly.
•Proven attendance and follow through of prior job responsibilities.
•Prior experience handling artworks is a plus but not required.
Work will involve some moderate to heavy lifting and use of surfactants, solvents, paint, and wax.  Work will take place outdoors; conditions may be hot and dry.  Interns are expected to follow established safety practices per lifts, ladders, and use of half-face respirators.  Fit testing and training for respirator use will be provided. Internship may include a relevant visit to artist’s studio or foundry.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, a summary of relevant coursework with grades, and contact information for two job-related references to Kate Moomaw: kmoomaw@denverartmuseum.org, by April 22, 2015.

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 Department:
  • 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.
This is a permanent full time position with a complete benefits package.
Applicants must apply online at Paper Conservator – Apply Here                 or at www.slamcareers.org
The position will remain open until filled.
EOE

PAINTINGS UPPER LEVEL INTERN – (Experienced) PRE or POST GRADUATE
West Lake Conservators Ltd, seeks a paintings conservation pre or post graduate experienced intern, to assist in our busy mixed-specialty firm. Tasks will include assisting the paintings conservators in assessment, documentation and certain treatments.  The internship is for 3 months renewable by contract if both parties agree.
The goal of a degree in paintings conservation from a recognized conservation program is required. Prior internships in a for-profit, lab and experience with frame conservation and framing skills are a plus.
West Lake Conservators is a mixed-specialty preservation firm located in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York and founded in 1975. West Lake’s clientele includes museum and private collections both regional and national.
Three letters of reference are also required to complete selection.
For more information: Visit our web site, www.westlakeconservators.com
Contact:  Applicants should send a letter of interest (including resume) to Susan Blakney at susan@westlakeconservators.com and Margaret Sutton at margie@westlakeconservators.com

Fellowship in Paper Conservation, Full-time Temporary, grant-funded. 
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art (ACMAA) is pleased to offer a two-year advanced training fellowship in the conservation of works on paper beginning fall 2015.
The ACMAA paper collection includes masterworks by artists such as James M. Whistler, Arthur Dove, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Russell, Winslow Homer & James Audubon.  The lithographic collection spans the history of the technique from utilitarian city views to the highly influential Tamarind Lithography Workshop.  The western core of the collection features expedition and frontier drawings and watercolors by, John Henry Hill, Karl Bodmer, Alfred Jacob Miller, and Peter Rindisbacher.  A significant number of printing blocks relate to prints in the collection of Winslow Homer, Frederic Remington and Jose G. Posada’s work.  In addition, the museum actively collects histric artists’ pigments, materials, and materials catalogues offering a unique opportunity to use primary resources to enhance a collection-based research project.
Under the supervision of the Conservator of Paper, the Fellow will participate in all departmental activities including examination, documentation, analysis, and treatment of the Amon Carter’s extensive collection of works on paper, and will contribute significantly to the institution’s program of exhibitions. In addition, the Fellow will conduct research on the collection and is expected to produce a formal paper based on research completed during the fellowship before the end of the appointment.
The Fellowship will provide excellent hands-on treatment experience and practice in conservation management for the museum’s collection. By participating in all the departmental activities, the Fellow will gain professional experience in the conservation of works on paper while furthering a conservation career. 
The Fellowship provides a competitive salary and benefits package including a biweekly salary based on compensation of $39,000 (if annualized), with additional allowance for travel and research of $4,000, plus full-time benefits.
Requirements include:

• Graduate-level degree in conservation studies with a specialization in the conservation of works on paper or equivalent education and work/life experience.
• Computer proficiency with MS Office products.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of standard museum registration and records management practices.
• Some experience handling art work; training provided; willingness to follow required art handling procedures and wear required safety protection.
• Clear background and drug screen required.

Application Information:
Applications will be considered until April 6.  Candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest, resume and two letters of recommendation to Human Resources, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107 fax 817.665.4315 or to human.resources@cartermuseum.org. EEOC.
Note:  Candidates selected for interview will be required to provide an electronic portfolio of treatments and research projects.
Full position description available on the Jobs tab at www.cartermuseum.org