Stagiair(e) Paper Conservation bij Rijksmuseum

Banenbingo; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 5,600 - 6,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend €550/month

Interdisciplinary environment

Regular talks and events

Access to Rijksmuseum facilities

Job summary

The Rijksmuseum offers a full-time (36 hours per week) internship in the Paper and Photo Conservation department for 3 to 6 months between September 2026 and July 2027. You will examine prints and drawings, contribute to their care, and participate in ongoing treatments and research projects.

You will learn conservation practice in a research-driven environment, working with researchers and conservators on condition reports, treatments, and exhibitions, while gaining hands-on experience.

Qualifications

• Based in EU and enrolled in a recognized MA-level conservation training program (paper conservation).
• Has sufficient knowledge and skills to carry out conservation treatments.
• Interested in integrating scientific research into conservation practice.
• Has basic knowledge of analytical methods useful for research.
• Fluent in English, spoken and written.
• Able to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Monitor condition and maintenance of the collection.
• Prepare objects for loans.
• Write condition reports.
• (De-)install exhibitions.
• Assist with ongoing research projects.

Skills

Conservation treatments

Analytical methods

Teamwork

Fluent English

Education

MA-level conservation training (paper conservation)

Job description

In the Rijksmuseum, we work every day on preserving art and history. During this internship in paper conservation, you will be part of that work from the start. You will examine prints and drawings up close and contribute to their care and preservation. This is how you learn the practice of conservation in an environment where research and treatment go hand in hand.

The Department of Paper and Photo Conservation holds an internationally recognized position in the field of technical research and conservation and consists of a core team of three paper conservators, three photographic materials conservators and three conservation technicians, supplemented by other conservators working on different projects. Working in close collaboration with a team of researchers and scientists, they are responsible for the research, conservation and care of the Rijksmuseum collection of the collection of the Rijksprentenkabinet, the largest museum collection of prints, drawings and photographs of the Netherlands.

Working for the Rijksmuseum

The position is full-time (36 hours per week) for the duration for 3 to 6 months, to be scheduled between September 2026 and July 2027, in accordance with the training program of the intern and the schedule of the Rijksmuseum Paper and Photo Conservation department.

The Paper and Photo Conservation department works closely with the Curatorial- and Science Departments and you will be expected to participate in discussions about ongoing treatments and research projects.

You will be given the opportunity to carry out conservation treatments on works of art on paper, such as prints and drawings and conduct research on their materials, techniques and condition.
You will work alongside the paper conservators to:

• monitor the condition and maintenance of the collection,
• prepare objects for loans,
• write condition reports,
• (de-) install exhibitions,
• assist with ongoing (research) projects.

The Paper and Photo Conservation department works closely with the Curatorial- and Science Departments and you will be expected to participate in discussions about ongoing treatments and research projects.

What will you contribute?

We are curious about who you are and what you want to develop further during your internship with us.

The successful applicant:

• is currently based in European Union and enrolled in a recognized (inter)national MA-level conservation training program with a specialization in paper conservation for the duration of the entire internship.
• has sufficient knowledge and skills to carry out conservation treatments.
• is genuinely interested in integrating scientific research into conservation practice.
• has basic knowledge of analytical methods useful for research.
• is fluent in English, spoken and written.
• is able to work in a team.

What will you get in return?

• you will be given the chance to work in – and behind the scenes of – a leading, internationally oriented museum;
• a modest monthly stipend of €550,-a month based on a 36 hours working week;
• an inspiring workplace. The Rijksmuseum’s Conservation & Science Department is housed in the Ateliergebouw (Studio Building) across the street from the Rijksmuseum. In addition to the six conservation studios and the Science Department of the Rijksmuseum, the building hosts the conservation training program of the University of Amsterdam, the laboratories of the Department of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE), and the Netherlands Institute of Conservation, Art and Science (NICAS). The strong collaboration between conservators, scientific researchers and art historians in the three institutes makes for an interdisciplinary and dynamic environment;
• the opportunity to attend regular talks organized by the three institutions housed in the Ateliergebouw;
• participation in various events and sports activities, such as the Rijksrun and our summer and winter parties.

If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail]

*Please note that we can only accept applications from candidates based within the European Union.

Please note: if we receive a sufficient number of applications, we may close the vacancy before the stated closing date. Applications submitted after the vacancy has been closed will unfortunately not be considered. Applications or related materials delivered via email, postal mail, or in person will unfortunately not be accepted.