Assistant Photograph Conservator

The-Morgan-Library-; New York (NY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Morgan Library & Museum invites applications for a full-time, project-based Assistant Photograph Conservator in a small, expert team dedicated to preserving its photography collections.

The 21-month term runs December 2026 through August 2028, reporting to the Sherman Fairchild Director of Conservation. Responsibilities include examination, documentation, technical study, and treatment, plus preventive housing, storage, imaging, and display work.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree (M.A., M.S.) in conservation or equivalent training; minimum 2 years in photography or paper conservation.
• Experience with photographic materials and treatments; ability to document and justify interventions.
• Familiarity with imaging and digital tools used in artifact study and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Examine, document, study technically, and treat a sizeable incoming photography collection.
• Participate in preventive conservation: housing, storage, imaging, and display considerations.
• Collaborate with conservation staff and departments; maintain rigorous written and photographic documentation.

Skills

Photography conservation

Documentation

Observation and interpretation

Written/verbal communication

Manual dexterity

Education

Master's degree in conservation

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Bridge

RAW processing

Conservation Studio

The Museum System (TMS)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Assistant Photograph Conservator

(Full-time, 21-month term, December 2026 - August 2028)

The Morgan Library & Museum invites applications for a full-time, project-based Assistant Photograph Conservator. The successful candidate will join a small department of experienced conservators and preparators who care for the Morgan’s exceptional and varied collections. The Assistant Photograph Conservator will support the Morgan’s mission to preserve, interpret, and develop its collections, while making them accessible to a broad and diverse audience.

Reporting to the Sherman Fairchild Director of Conservation, and working with paper conservation staff, the Assistant Photograph Conservator will be responsible for the examination, documentation, technical study, and treatment of a sizeable incoming photography collection. They will also participate in preventive conservation activities promoting safe housing, storage, handling, imaging, and display of these materials.

This is a project-funded position with a 21-month term. Work will commence in December 2026.

Qualifications:

• A graduate degree (M.A., M.S.) in conservation (or equivalent training and experience), and a minimum of 2 years work experience in photography conservation or paper conservation with proven experience working with photograph collections. Interest or experience in the conservation of modern and contemporary works will be advantageous.
• Knowledge and experience of a range of simple and complex treatment options for photographic-based materials; ability to execute appropriate treatments with accuracy and precision, as demonstrated by a portfolio.
• Keen observational skills, applied to the understanding and interpretation of photographic materials, techniques and working methods, and the effects of past and present conservation treatments.
• Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of photographic objects and the substances used to treat them; awareness of analytical or other techniques for identifying these materials and/or determining changes in them.
• Familiarity with digital, spectral, and other technical imaging as used in the study of historical artifacts and documentation of conservation treatments; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Bridge. and processing of RAW image files
• Understanding of and adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice, including written and photographic documentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; commitment to collegial and collaborative work across departments.
• Proficiency with Windows environment (especially Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint), Gmail and Google Drive; ability to learn and use the Morgan’s collections and information systems (TMS). Experience or familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) and/or Conservation Studio is a plus.
• Excellent level of manual dexterity and visual acuity; ability to work standing as needed for successful completion of conservation treatments. Ability to use appropriate PPE to protect against moderate levels of dust, mold, or chemicals used in treatment.
  

Compensation:

$71,000 annual salary; excellent benefits.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

EEO Statement

The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.