Photographic Materials Conservator - Preserve Historic Images

Philadelphia Museum of Art; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 64,800 - 79,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free general admission to the museum

Discounted guest tickets

Staff tours and presentations

Museum discounts

Job summary

The Philadelphia Museum of Art seeks an Associate Conservator of Photographic Materials to join its paper conservation lab. You will examine, document, and conserve a broad range of photographs, oversee preventive care, and collaborate across departments on exhibitions, loans, and storage.

The ideal candidate holds a graduate degree in art conservation with a specialty in photography, at least five years of experience, and strong communication and mentoring skills.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree from a recognized Art Conservation training program with a specialization in photographic materials.
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience beyond the degree in the study, preservation, and treatment of photographic materials.
• Ability to plan and execute a variety of conservation treatments on photographs and works on paper.
• Experience collaborating with professionals on the conservation of time-based media.
• Experience/interest in microfadometry analysis of photographs.
• Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitudes. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Examine, document, research, and treat a broad range of photographic materials.
• Evaluate the condition of photographs requested for loan, exhibition, and acquisition consideration.
• Collaborate with colleagues on housing, installation, storage, handling, packing, and transport of photographic materials.
• Collaborate with conservation scientists in chemical and instrumental analysis and characterization of photographic materials.
• Engage professionally with colleagues and the museum community by publishing and presenting technical and historical research, attending conferences and workshops, and pursuing continuing education opportunities to expand and refine knowledge and skills.
• Work with contemporary artists and studios to document artistic processes and preservation goals.
• Serve as an integral member on a team of museum colleagues dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of time‑based media in the collection.
• Mentor and train junior conservation staff, post‑graduate fellows, interns, and technicians.
• Participate as a member of the Conservation Division in a range of institutional initiatives and functions, including professional and public engagement.
• Examine, document, and conduct minor treatments on prints and drawings as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Manual dexterity

Independent work

Scholarly aptitude

Education

Graduate degree in Art Conservation (photographic materials)

Job description

The Philadelphia Museum of Art seeks an Associate Conservator of Photographic Materials to join its paper conservation lab. You will examine, document, and conserve a broad range of photographs, oversee preventive care, and collaborate across departments on exhibitions, loans, and storage.

The ideal candidate holds a graduate degree in art conservation with a specialty in photography, at least five years of experience, and strong communication and mentoring skills.