Photography Conservator - Assistant/Associate

Museum of Modern Art; New York (NY); On-site; USD 101,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Museum of Modern Art in New York, NY is currently accepting applications for an Assistant or Associate Photography Conservator in the David Booth Conservation Department. The role involves collaboration across departments, documentation, treatment, and preventive care of photographs from the 19th century to contemporary works.

Requires a graduate degree in conservation and extensive post-graduate experience for the Associate level.

Qualifications

• Graduate or undergraduate degree in conservation or equivalent training.
• Two years of postgraduate experience in photograph conservation for Assistant level.
• Seven years of postgraduate experience in photograph conservation including museum experience for Associate level.
• Experience with living artists or artists’ estates is desirable.
• Experience in conservation of contemporary photographs is desirable.
• Knowledge of documentation procedures, including digital photography.
• Experience with analytical instruments (XRF, FTIR, Raman) desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills for Assistant level and collaborative ability for Associate level.
• On-site presence required five days a week during the initial 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Examines, documents, and treats photographs in the collection.
• Supports all departmental activities including acquisition, exhibition prep, collection care, loans and research.
• Monitors storage, advises on environmental conditions and preventive conservation.
• Collaborates with Conservation, curatorial, Collection Management, Exhibition Planning and other departments.
• Researches historic and contemporary artist materials and practices.
• Explores new conservation methods, tools, and techniques.
• Communicates with artists and related stakeholders on conservation issues.
• Stays current with conservation approaches through professional meetings.
• Mentors Fellows and Interns.
• Assists with preparation of works for loans and overseeing transport and installation.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Collaboration

Education

Degree in conservation

Tools

X-ray fluorescence

FTIR spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy

Digital photography (UV/IR/photomicrography)

Job description

The Museum of Modern Art in New York, NY is currently accepting applications for an Assistant or Associate Photography Conservator in the David Booth Conservation Department. The role involves collaboration across departments, documentation, treatment, and preventive care of photographs from the 19th century to contemporary works.

Requires a graduate degree in conservation and extensive post-graduate experience for the Associate level.