David Booth Fellowship in Object Conservation at MoMA
About the job
September 2022 — August 2024
The David Booth Conservation Department at The Museum of Modern Art is pleased to offer a two-year fellowship in objects conservation, starting September 2022. The fellowship provides an opportunity to work on modern and contemporary art in a museum setting. As a member of the MoMA sculpture conservation team, the fellow will gain experience in all facets of the conservation of three-dimensional objects, including acquisition, exhibition, treatment, collection care, transport and research.
Given the interdisciplinary nature of modern and contemporary art conservation, the fellow will be encouraged to work closely with MoMA’s other conservation sections (science, paintings, media, paper, and photography conservation), along with curators, registrars, art handlers, and artists. Goals of the fellowship may include gaining experience in exhibition planning and couriering; developing and refining documentation or treatment techniques; researching artists’ materials and approaches; and disseminating research via publications and professional presentations. Besides developing and refining advanced techniques in objects conservation, the fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with MoMA’s conservation scientists to develop and carry out research projects to be disseminated or published online, at conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.
The Museum of Modern Art is committed to nurturing the next generation of curators, art historians, conservators and other arts professionals. This Conservation Fellowship is part of a distinctive museum wide fellowship program that offers opportunities for training and development through immersion in the Museum’s departments, working alongside and mentored by experienced staff members. All fellows also participate in a core methods and practice program with MoMA staff and invited guests which explores object-based research and inquiry; public engagement in a museum context; and arts leadership and the role of cultural institutions.
Responsibilities
- Writes condition reports and installation instructions (when needed) for works of art. Executes treatments on objects and recommends optimal storage and exhibition conditions. Keeps full photographic and written documentation of original condition and all stages of treatment of works of art.
- Assists in advising curators, registrars, and exhibitions staff on conservation requirements to ensure protection of works of art during exhibition, packing, and shipping.
- Assists in advising curators on the condition of works of art as related to exhibition, loans, and acquisition.
- Works with scientists to analyze artist and conservation materials and interpret scientific data.
- Carries out courier trips as needed.
- Assists in supervising seasonal (three-month) interns and conservation program trainees as requested. Investigates, evaluates, and tests new materials used by contemporary artists.
- Researches, develops, and tests materials and techniques for conservation use.
- Keeps abreast of new technical and material developments in the art historical and conservation fields through attendance at meetings and readings of conservation, technical, and art historical literature.
- Adheres to the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
- Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in conservation or advanced certificate from a recognized conservation program, with a demonstrated concentration in the conservation of objects.
- Experience documenting and treating three-dimensional objects; experience with modern and contemporary works preferable.
- Familiarity with photo-documentation, including ultra-violet, infrared, and photomicrography.
- An understanding of the applications of analytical instruments, including X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Experience with microscopy and X-radiography.
- Experience implementing preventive conservation strategies for display, transport and/or storage of artworks.
- Excellent speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. Proficiency in additional language(s) desirable.
- Fully vaccinated with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and/or the World Health Organization authorized vaccine (or approved for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a qualified disability or sincerely held religious belief or other legal basis).
Reports to: Objects Conservators
Stipend: $50,000 plus benefits and vacation, with $3,500 annually for research and travel.
Application Instructions
In addition to your resume, please submit a detailed letter of interest and include the name of three references; letters from references are not required. Do not include treatment reports in the application.
Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to supply treatment reports at that time. Application deadline is March 14, 2022.
The Museum of Modern Art is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.
The Museum of Modern Art’s Conservation Initiative is made possible through the David Booth Conservation Center Endowment Fund.