Conservation Senior Specialist Major Science Institution

BLR WORLD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading museum organization in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Conservation Senior Specialist to oversee preservation efforts. This role involves implementing preventive conservation strategies, managing collections, and conducting vital research in partnership with curators and researchers. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Conservation and have at least 5 years of relevant experience. Strong analytical skills and the ability to adapt to innovative conservation technologies are essential. This is an opportunity to contribute significantly to the care and accessibility of museum collections.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in museum conservation or collections care.
• Expertise in preventive conservation and environmental monitoring.
• Strong track record of publishing research and securing funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement preventive conservation plans.
• Conduct condition assessments and develop treatment strategies.
• Supervise the packing, shipping, and installation of objects.

Skills

Proficiency in conservation science techniques

Analytical tools and imaging technologies

Strong problem-solving skills

Knowledge of museum documentation systems

Excellent team leadership

Education

Bachelors degree in Conservation or related field

Masters degree in Conservation or related field (preferred)

Job description

About the role:

The Conservation Senior Specialist is responsible for ensuring the preservation, stabilization and long-term care of the Museums collections including natural history specimens, collections and exhibition materials.

This role oversees preventive conservation strategies, treatment procedures, environmental monitoring and risk assessment ensuring that collections remain protected and accessible for research, exhibitions and public engagement. Reporting to the Conservation & Installation Unit head, the Conservation Senior Specialist works closely with curators, collections managers and scientific researchers providing expert guidance on conservation standards and best practices while integrating innovative and sustainable conservation technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Collections Conservation & Preservation

• Develop and implement preventive conservation plans to safeguard the Museums collections against physical, chemical and biological deterioration.
• Conduct condition assessments and develop treatment strategies for at-risk objects, ensuring ethical and minimally invasive conservation methods.
• Oversee the proper storage, handling, and transportation of collections, ensuring adherence to museum conservation guidelines and international standards.
• Advise on appropriate climate control, pest management, and environmental monitoring practices in storage, display, and research areas.

Exhibition & Loan Conservation

• Work closely with curatorial and exhibition teams to ensure that objects displayed in galleries and traveling exhibitions are properly prepared, mounted and protected.
• Conduct risk assessments for loaned objects and traveling collections, providing conservation recommendations for transport and display.
• Supervise the packing, shipping and installation of objects, ensuring all procedures meet conservation and security standards.

Scientific Research & Conservation Innovation

• Collaborate with scientists, researchers and external institutions on conservation projects, including the application of new materials science, digital documentation and analytical techniques.
• Stay up to date on advancements in conservation science, including innovative methods for stabilizing fragile or degraded specimens.
• Conduct conservation research and contribute to scientific publications, conferences and professional forums.

Policy Development & Training

• Develop and enforce conservation policies, protocols and emergency response plans for collections management and disaster preparedness.
• Provide training and mentorship to museum staff, students and interns on handling preventive conservation and specialized treatment techniques.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines, regulatory requirements and international conservation standards (ICOM, AIC etc).

Collaboration & Cross-Departmental Support

• Work closely with collections management, curatorial and scientific research teams to align conservation efforts with the museum's mission.
• Support grant applications and funding proposals for conservation initiatives, equipment and research projects.
• Liaise with external conservation experts, academic institutions and funding bodies to enhance the museum's conservation capabilities.

Experience & Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Conservation, Conservation Science, Museum Studies or a related field. Masters degree is preferred.

Experience:

• 5 years of experience in museum conservation, collections care or scientific research related to conservation.
• Expertise in preventive conservation, conservation treatments and environmental monitoring for museum collections.
• Experience working in a natural history museum collections conservation is highly desirable.
• Strong track record of publishing research, securing conservation funding or leading conservation projects.

Skills:

• Proficiency in conservation science techniques, analytical tools and imaging technologies.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess conservation challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Knowledge of museum documentation systems, condition reporting and conservation databases.
• Excellent team leadership, communication and training abilities.