Conservation Senior Specialist Major Science Institution

BLR WORLD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Conservation Senior Specialist to ensure the preservation and long-term care of diverse museum collections. This role involves developing preventive conservation strategies and working closely with curators and researchers to implement innovative techniques. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in museum conservation, strong leadership skills, and a passion for advancing conservation practices. Join this forward-thinking institution and contribute to the safeguarding of invaluable heritage for future generations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in museum conservation and collections care.
• Expertise in preventive conservation and environmental monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Develop preventive conservation plans for safeguarding museum collections.
• Conduct condition assessments and develop treatment strategies for at-risk objects.

Skills

Conservation Science Techniques

Analytical Tools

Imaging Technologies

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Conservation

Master's Degree in Conservation (Preferred)

Tools

Museum Documentation Systems

Conservation Databases

Job description

About the role:

The Conservation Senior Specialist is responsible for ensuring the preservation, stabilization, and long-term care of the Museum'scollections, including natural history specimens, collections, and exhibitionmaterials.

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

Key Responsibilities:

Collections Conservation & Preservation

• Develop and implement preventive conservation plans to safeguard the Museum'scollections 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'smission.
• 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'sconservation 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 relatedto conservation.
• Expertise in preventive conservation, conservation treatments, and environmental monitoringfor museum collections.
• Experience working in a natural history museum collections conservation is highly desirable.
• Strong track record of publishing research, securing conservation funding, or leadingconservation projects.

Skills:

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