Conservation Research Intern

Collectionsthatcare; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Located in Los Angeles, LACMA offers an internship in conservation research focused on light sensitivity of museum objects. You will work with the Conservation Scientist to support textile assessments and plan lighting for upcoming exhibitions using the Microfading Tester (MFT).

The role provides hands-on experience with scientific instrumentation, colorimetric analysis, data interpretation, and preventive conservation techniques in a museum setting.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and analytical abilities with precise data recording.
• Coursework in chemistry, physics, environmental science/data, or conservation science.
• Interest in conservation science and museum collections.

Responsibilities

• Support light-sensitivity assessments for textiles and light‑sensitive objects.
• Collaborate with the Conservation Scientist and Conservators on analysis.
• Gain hands-on experience with instrumentation, colorimetry, and data interpretation.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Data-recording skills

Education

Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science/Data, Conservation Science coursework

Tools

Microfading Tester (MFT)

Job description

Summary

Under the guidance of the Head Scientist, the intern will develop hands-on experience in conservation science, scientific analysis, and preventive conservation while supporting research related to the light sensitivity of museum objects. The Conservation Research Laboratory supports LACMA's conservation, exhibition, and collections programs through scientific research and technical analysis, collaborating with conservators, curators, and collection specialists to study and preserve works of art across the museum's diverse collections.

The intern will work alongside the Conservation Scientist and Conservators to support light sensitivity assessments for textiles and other light-sensitive objects scheduled for upcoming exhibitions at LACMA. The primary focus of the internship will be the use of the Microfading Tester (MFT), a non-destructive analytical technique used to evaluate the light sensitivity of museum objects and inform appropriate exhibition lighting requirements and display durations.

The internship will provide hands-on experience with scientific instrumentation, preventive conservation methodologies, colorimetric analysis, data interpretation, and the application of conservation science to exhibition planning and collections care.

Key Details

Compensation: $18.47/hour

Duration: 18 weeks (anticipated start October 1, 2026)

Schedule: PT (16 hours/week)

Deadline:ASAP (Posted August 18, 2026)

Eligibility

• Internship applicants must be currently enrolled in an academic program or have recently graduated within 1 year.
• Coursework or academic experience in chemistry, physics, environmental science/data, conservation science, or a related scientific field is preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation science, cultural heritage, museum collections, or the preservation of works of art.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and data-recording skills.
• Ability to work carefully and methodically with museum objects and scientific equipment.
• Previous experience with scientific instrumentation, spectroscopy, colorimetry, data analysis, or conservation science is preferred but not required.

About

Located on the Pacific Rim, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of 155,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. Committed to showcasing a multitude of art histories, LACMA exhibits and interprets works of art from new and unexpected points of view that are informed by the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse population. LACMA’s spirit of experimentation is reflected in its work with artists, technologists, and thought leaders as well as in its regional, national, and global partnerships to share collections and programs, create pioneering initiatives, and engage new audiences.