Associate Conservator of Objects and Sculpture

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans with university contributions

Professional development opportunities

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an Associate Conservator of Objects and Sculpture who will be integral to the Objects Lab team. The role involves conducting conservation treatments, preventive care, and outreach. The ideal candidate should have a graduate qualification in conservation and at least five years of relevant experience.

Applicants will engage in research, project management, and contribute to teaching practices while mentoring fellows and students in conservation techniques and principles.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ museum or professional experience in conservation.
• Proven ability to conduct conservation examinations and treatments.
• Experience with collaborative research and publications.

Responsibilities

• Conducts condition reports, surveys, and treatments for three-dimensional objects.
• Participates in planning and budgeting for lab activities and projects.
• Mentors casual employees, fellows, or students as appropriate.

Skills

Conservation expertise

Project management

Technical study of 3D objects

Excellent communication skills

Manual dexterity

Education

Bachelor's degree; MA, MS, or Certificate in Conservation

Tools

X-radiography

XRF

FT-IR

Raman spectroscopy

SEM-EDS

GC-MS

Digital photography

Job description

Job Summary

The Associate Conservator of Objects and Sculpture reports to the Assistant Director and Head of Objects Lab, Straus Center for Conservation, and serves as an integral part of the collaborative Objects Lab team. The Associate Conservator demonstrates achievement, expertise, and initiative in conservation treatments, preventive care, research, and publications relating to the preservation of three‑dimensional objects, artist materials and techniques. The Associate Conservator participates in outreach and produces scholarly work demonstrating originality and conservation expertise for three‑dimensional objects in all media. The Associate Conservator is responsible for practicing and developing these areas in support of the mission of the Harvard Art Museums, while abiding and promoting the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Institute of Conservation of Artistic and Historic Works.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

Collections

• Performs condition reports, surveys, examinations, and treatments for three‑dimensional objects for the Harvard Art Museums, University Loans, and occasional outside clients. Collections span a broad range of cultures and time periods from ancient to contemporary.
• Prepares accompanying written and photographic documentation, estimates, correspondence, and condition reports for exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions.
• Serves as lab point person for exhibitions, loans, and projects as assigned.
• Performs preventive care for objects, including dusting, integrated pest management, housing, microclimate maintenance and monitoring.
• Reviews and makes recommendations for loans out and accompanies works of art as courier when needed.
• Participates in collections emergency planning and response.
• Follows regular health and safety training programs and is responsible for complying with United States guidelines, including the safe use of certain controlled or hazardous substances.

Administrative

• Participates in planning and preparing budgets for lab activities, exhibitions, and special projects.
• Collaborates with and maintains good working relations with conservation scientists, conservators, curators, and other museum staff.
• Participates in the selection, supervision, and instruction of a conservation fellow.
• Assists in the maintenance of the lab and photo studio, including supplies, records, and equipment.
• May serve as lab point person for health and safety issues.
• Practices and promotes the Guidelines for Practice and Code of Ethics as established by the AIC.

Teaching

• Mentors and instructs casual employees, fellows, or students as appropriate.
• Participates in teaching, including undergraduate and graduate courses on artists’ materials and techniques, and the technical examination of art.
• Advises and trains museum staff in the best practices for the care, handling, display, storage, and packing and shipping of objects.

Research

• Stays current with professional philosophies, procedures, and practices in the conservation field through participation in professional organizations, publications, and attendance at meetings, workshops, and seminars.
• Initiates and collaborates on interdisciplinary technical research relevant to museum collections and projects.
• Publishes or presents findings in national and international publications and conferences.

Institutional

• Works with and provides content for Communications, the Division of Academic and Public Programs, Curatorial, and Institutional Advancement, and other departments as needed. Builds positive and productive working relationships with art museums, university, and external colleagues.
• Presents public gallery talks and participates in programming as requested.
• Supports Collections Management’s operation of Art Study Centers and Curricular Galleries.
• Leads and participates in tours for various interest groups.

Working Conditions

Work is conducted in a conservation lab setting. Manual dexterity in conservation treatments and object handling is required. Ability to move through a multi‑story museum building. Local travel to other University sites. Possible domestic or international travel.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree; MA, MS, or Certificate in Conservation from a recognized university program or equivalent training. Minimum of five years’ museum or other professional experience with demonstrated achievements in conservation examination, treatments, collaborative research, and publications relating to the preservation of and study of three‑dimensional objects in a wide range of media.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Scholarly work or research papers demonstrating originality and conservation expertise, published or presented in professional forums.
• Broad understanding of modern conservation practices, theory, and ethics. Proficiency in laboratory methods and safety.
• Demonstrated experience with project management of large and small‑scale projects.
• Demonstrated experience with technical study of 3D objects and familiarity with analytical techniques such as X‑radiography, XRF, FT‑IR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM‑EDS, and GC‑MS.
• Demonstrated experience with state‑of‑the‑art imaging tools used for conservation documentation and imaging including digital photography, multi‑band imaging, and reflectance transformation imaging.
• High level of proficiency with computer skills, including image editing and management.
• Excellent communication, writing, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Precise attention to detail and manual dexterity.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.