Associate Conservator, Photographic Materials & Research

philamuseum; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free museum admission

Discounted guest tickets

Discounts on gifts

Staff tours

Restaurant discounts

Medical, dental, vision

Disability insurance

Retirement match

Paid vacation

Job summary

Philadelphia Museum of Art is hiring an Associate Conservator of Photographic Materials. The role involves examinations, documentation, and treatments across the museum’s collection of over 35,000 photographic works of art.

You will help preserve diverse media from early daguerreotypes to modern prints and supervise conservation activities. The position emphasizes collaboration with conservation scientists, exhibitions, loans, and public engagement, while mentoring junior staff and engaging with

Qualifications

• Graduate degree from a recognized Art Conservation program with specialization in photographic materials.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in study, preservation, and treatment of photographic materials.
• Ability to plan and execute conservation treatments on photographs and works on paper.
• Experience collaborating on conservation of time-based media.
• Experience with microfadometry analysis of photographs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Examine, document, research, and perform conservation treatment on a broad range of photographic materials.
• Evaluate and document the condition of photographs for loan, exhibition, and acquisition consideration.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the museum on preservation activities including housing, installation, storage, and handling.
• Collaborate with conservation scientists in chemical analysis and characterization of photographic materials.
• Publish and present technical and historical research; attend conferences and workshops; pursue continuing education.
• Work with contemporary artists and studios to document processes and preservation goals.
• Serve as a team member on exhibition and preservation initiatives and mentor junior staff.
• Examine, document, and conduct minor treatments on prints and drawings as assigned.

Skills

Photographic materials

Time-based media

Scientific analysis

Communication

Organization

Education

Graduate degree in Art Conservation

Job description

Philadelphia Museum of Art is hiring an Associate Conservator of Photographic Materials. The role involves examinations, documentation, and treatments across the museum’s collection of over 35,000 photographic works of art.

You will help preserve diverse media from early daguerreotypes to modern prints and supervise conservation activities. The position emphasizes collaboration with conservation scientists, exhibitions, loans, and public engagement, while mentoring junior staff and engaging with