Project Conservator

uchicago; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Reporting to the Head Conservator and the Museum Director/Chief Curator, the Project Conservator will play a central role in a major grant-funded initiative to conserve and prepare the glazed brick façade from the Sin Temple at Khorsabad, Iraq (8th century BCE), one of the most significant architectural elements from the palace of Sargon II.

The project focuses on the conservation, documentation, technical study, and long term preservation of 282 glazed bricks excavated by the Institute for the

Qualifications

• College/university degree in a related field is required.
• 2–5 years of work experience in a related discipline.
• Certification: -

Responsibilities

• Performs conservation treatment and stabilization of the glazed brick façade.
• Prepares conservation documentation including treatment and condition reports.
• Maintains the Conservation Laboratory and procurement of equipment.
• Operates microscopes and analytical instrumentation used in conservation research.
• Writes condition reports and handles pieces loaned to University museums.
• Provides public lectures and outreach related to conservation.

Skills

Conservation techniques

Documentation

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

MA/MS in Conservation

Tools

Microscopes

X-ray equipment

Job description

Department

Museum Conservation

About the Department

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind's progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world's leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC's collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC's centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is 'The University of Chicago.' The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Head Conservator and the Museum Director/Chief Curator, the Project Conservator will play a central role in a major grant-funded initiative to conserve and prepare the glazed brick façade from the Sin Temple at Khorsabad, Iraq (8th century BCE), one of the most significant architectural elements from the palace of Sargon II. The project focuses on the conservation, documentation, technical study, and long term preservation of 282 glazed bricks excavated by the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) in 1933.

The Project Conservator will carry out conservation treatments, technical examination, and research while collaborating closely with curatorial, collections, registration, exhibitions, and academic staff. The position also supports ISAC's broader mission through scholarship, public engagement, grant activities, and the development of best practices in archaeological conservation.

This is a one year, grant funded position with the possibility of extension based on project needs and available funding.

The anticipated start date is on or around September 15, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Performs conservation treatment and stabilization of the glazed brick façade from the Sin Temple.
• Prepares and maintains comprehensive conservation documentation, including written treatment reports, condition reports, and photographic documentation.
• Maintains the Conservation Laboratory, including the purchase of new equipment and supplies.
• Operates microscopes and analytical instrumentation used in conservation research.
• Performs necessary research activities to maintain the standards of the institution regarding conservation procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of relevant literature and may attend conservation conferences, workshops, symposia, etc.
• Ensures proper outreach of the conservation activities by providing public lectures and presentations for museum education, development, and membership support.
• Ensures compliance with the ethical guidelines, standards, and professional practices of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC).
• Writes condition reports and performs other inspection documentation. Ensures proper handling, maintenance, and return of pieces loaned to University museums.
• Applies research and analysis pertaining to collections and external funding and participates in the selection of objects for exhibits.
• Has a moderate understanding of the conservations budget and laboratory, including the purchase of equipment and supplies. Analyzes priority for pieces in need of treatment and operates microscope and x-ray equipment used to analyze pieces.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: -

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: M.A. or M.S. in Conservation from a recognized university program is strongly preferred.
• Experience: Experience with archaeological objects is strongly preferred.
• Experience: Experience working in a museum or archaeological collection.
• Experience: Approximately five years of professional experience as an objects conservator is strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge: Thorough understanding of modern conservation theory, ethics, laboratory methods, and safe working practices.
• Excellent organizational, communicat-