Assistant/Associate Musical Instruments Conservator

Yale Cancer Center; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Yale Cancer Center is seeking a full-time Assistant/Associate Conservator of Musical Instruments. This role involves assessing and treating historical instruments as part of Yale's commitment to cultural heritage preservation. The position requires a Master’s Degree along with a solid background in conservation practices.

The candidate will collaborate with curators and staff to ensure the care and preservation of the collection, playing a vital role in exhibitions and educational outreach.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of conservation experience or equivalent education.
• Knowledge of museum conservation practices.
• Experience in a museum environment.

Responsibilities

• Condition assess and treat musical instruments.
• Manage and maintain the collection.
• Assist with exhibition planning and research.

Skills

Self-directed with initiative

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Technical skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Master’s Degree in related field

Tools

The Museum System (TMS) database

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

Founded in 1900, the Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments is committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation of musical instruments from all cultures and periods. One of the foremost institutions of its kind, the Collection serves Yale University, the wider community, and the public as a center of teaching, learning, scholarship, and performance. Stewardship, preservation, and thoughtful restoration and maintenance of functional examples are central to its mission.

The Collection, with its rich collection of over 1,300 musical instruments and related objects, is seeking applicants for a full-time, 2-year fixed term position of Assistant/Associate Conservator of Musical Instruments reporting to the Curator with the possibility of an extension. The Assistant/Associate Conservator will condition assess and treat three-dimensional objects of a variety of materials in preparation for a comprehensive redevelopment of its galleries, planned to open in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Primary responsibilities include condition assessment of objects selected for exhibition; planning, documenting, and performing complex item-level conservation object treatments both preventive and interventive; completing materials analysis as necessary, including the identification of materials, which may be included in the online catalogue; and assisting the Collections team and contractors in safe handling, mounting, installation and de-installation of objects. The conservator will work closely with the Curator and other museum team members to manage and maintain the collection, assist with exhibition planning and research, catalog and document new acquisitions, contribute to and assist in the maintenance of the collection database, and draft and implement policies and procedures that relate to collections care, access, and risk management. The conservator will oversee proper storage and preservation of the collection, including environmental monitoring, integrated pest management (IPM), object movement tracking, loans, and conducting a general conditions assessment. The incumbent will benefit from working in an active, shared conservation lab at Yale’s Collection Studies Center in dialogue with curators, conservators and conservation scientists from Yale’s other museums and collections and its Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, art handlers, exhibitions staff, registrars, educators, students, and the large conservation community at Yale. The successful candidate will benefit from working closely with the Conservation Department of the Yale University Art Gallery; though reporting to the Curator the incumbent will become an active partner of a dynamic and supportive conservation department at Yale West Campus that includes conservators working in different fields of specialization: paintings, objects, furniture, works on paper, and textiles.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed. Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated accuracy and strong attention to detail and excellent observational skills and critical thinking. Superior organizational skills and time management. Ability to work well under pressure.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines among conflicting priorities. Positive attitude that supports the department's goals.
• Proven ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and to be a team player in active project, office and laboratory environments. Superior technical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and Adobe Photoshop. Ability and willingness to become proficient with The Museum System (TMS) database and TMS Conservation Studio.

Preferred Education and Experience

Experience working in a museum environment and knowledge of museum conservation practice; a specialization in musical instruments and proficiency with regulation and maintenance of functional keyboards is highly desirable. Two years of experience for the assistant level or five to seven years of experience for associate level. Knowledge of preventive conservation methods and practices and familiarity with analytical equipment.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Designs and manages conservation laboratory; establishes and schedules priorities for the treatment and preservation of objects; plans, researches and implements conservation treatments including very complex treatments on cultural property in museum, library, archives, and study collections.
2. Examines the material composition and deterioration of objects in order to develop and execute appropriate conservation treatments.
3. Identifies and diagnoses problems, devises and approves conservation methods which ensure the safety of the objects. Assesses and devises alternative and/or modify conservation methods to achieve desired results.
4. Creates accurate written and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments and other activities.
5. Performs research necessary to preserve the authenticity of collections and ensure deterioration of collections is monitored and controlled.
6. Reports research and significant treatments through publications, conference papers and posters.
7. Assesses conservation needs of object, proper housing, physical storage, and display areas for collections and ascertains correct environmental control for preservation.
8. Assists in determining conservation priorities for collections and/or individual projects and planning strategies for collection care.
9. Advises on the acquisition, loan, and exhibition of collections or individual objects.
10. Oversees safe use and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
11. Assists in teaching courses to undergraduate and graduate students.
12. Assists in the supervision of conservation interns and fellows.
13. Supervises a small staff of non-exempt employees and/or student assistants.
14. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Art, Museum and/or Library/Archives Conservation, Materials Science, or related field and four years of conservation experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Other Statements

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.