Harvard University Hiring for Associate Conservator of Objects and Sculpture at Cambridge, MA Full Time

Reporting to the Assistant Director and Head of Objects Lab, Straus Center for Conservation, the Associate Conservator demonstrates achievement, expertise, and initiative in conservation treatments, preventive care, research, and publications relating to the preservation of three-dimensional objects, artist materials and techniques. The Associate Conservator participates in outreach and produces scholarly work demonstrating originality and conservation expertise for three-dimensional objects in all media. The Associate Conservator is responsible for practicing and developing these areas in support of the mission of the Harvard Art Museums.

Collections

• Performs condition reports, surveys, examinations, and treatments for three-dimensional objects for the Harvard Art Museums, University Loans, and occasional outside clients. Collections span a broad range of cultures and time periods from ancient to contemporary.
• Prepares accompanying written and photographic documentation, estimates, correspondence, and condition reports for exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions.
• Serves as lab point person for exhibitions, loans, and projects as assigned.
• Manages and executes preventive care for objects, including advising on and researching housing, handling, storage, and environmental needs.
• Reviews and makes recommendations for loans out.
• Supports and advises Art Study Centers’ visits and classes as needed.
• Consults curators for treatment planning and decision making.
• Participates in collections emergency planning and response.
• Accompanies works of art as courier when needed.

Administrative

• Participates in planning and preparing budgets for lab activities, exhibitions, and special projects.
• Manages exhibition support and 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.
• Participates in selection, supervision, and instruction of conservation fellow.
• Directs and instructs casual employees, fellows, or students as appropriate.
• Assists in the maintenance of the lab and photo studio, including supplies, records, and equipment.
• May serve as 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

• Mentors Fellows in conservation, examination, and documentation techniques and creative problem-solving.
• Participates in teaching, including undergraduate and graduate courses on artists’ materials and techniques, and the technical examination of art, as well as the Summer Institute for the Technical Study of Art.
• Advises and trains museum staff in the best practices for the care, handling, display, storage, and packing and shipping of objects.

Research

• Stays current with professional philosophies, procedures, and practices in the conservation field through membership in professional organizations, publications, and attendance at meetings, workshops, and seminars.
• Initiates and collaborates on interdisciplinary technical research relevant to museum collections and projects.
• Publishes or presents findings in national and international publications and conferences, ideally on a semi-annual basis.

Institutional

• Works with and provides content for Communications, the Division of Academic and Public Programs, Curatorial, and Institutional Advancement, and other departments as needed.
• Presents public gallery talks and participates in programming as requested.
• Supports Collections Management’s operation of Art Study Centers and Curricular Galleries.
• Leads and participates in tours for various interest groups.

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

• Bachelor’s degree; MA, MS, or Certificate in Conservation from a recognized university program or equivalent training.
• A minimum of five years’ museum or other professional experience with demonstrated achievements in conservation examination, treatments, collaborative research, and publications relating to the preservation of and study of three-dimensional objects in a wide range of media.

• Abides by and promotes the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Institute of Conservation of Artistic and Historic Works.
• Scholarly works or research papers demonstrating originality and conservation expertise, published or presented in professional forums.
• Broad understanding of modern conservation practices, theory, and ethics. Proficiency in laboratory methods and safety.
• Demonstrated experience with project management of large and small-scale projects.
• Demonstrated experience with technical study of 3D objects and familiarity with analytical techniques such as X-radiography, XRF, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, and GC-MS.
• Demonstrated experience with state-of-the-art imaging tools used for conservation documentation and imaging including digital photography, multi-band imaging, and reflectance transformation imaging.
• High level of proficiency with computer skills, including image editing and management.
• Excellent communication, writing, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Precise attention to detail and manual dexterity.

Manual dexterity in conservation treatments and object handling is required.

This position works at the Museums’ two sites in Cambridge and Somerville to carry out all duties and responsibilities.

The Straus Center is a premier training ground for conservators and scientists, offering them advanced-level fellowships to refine their skills through the examination, analysis, and treatment of works of art, and through the presentation and publication of their research. Additionally, conservation specialists work with students and faculty to teach courses in technical art history and support materials-based inquiry in courses across Harvard’s curriculum.

PLEASE NOTE:

This position may start hybrid (some on-campus/some remote work), with the transition to full-on campus in Cambridge if required by the department. Work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

Museum

USA – MA – Cambridge

388057 Museum Professional

–

Straus Center for Conservation

Full-time

057

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Criminal, Education, Identity

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.