Objects Conservation Fellow at Harvard Art Museum

Description

The Conservation Fellowship Program at the Harvard Art Museums is designed to broaden the experience of conservators embarking on professional careers in museum conservation through work with our global collection. 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • The focus for the Objects Conservation Fellow will be the examination and treatment of works of art from the Harvard Art Museums’ collections as driven by the exhibition, loans, and research needs. A collaborative technical research project focusing on a work(s) of art from the Harvard Art Museums’ collections will comprise approximately 15% of the first year of the fellowship.
  • Under the supervision of the Head of Objects Lab, the fellow is an integral member of the staff, carrying out a broad range of activities, including treatment; preparation of accompanying written and photographic documentation, estimates, correspondence, and condition reports for exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions; presentation of research and other projects; lab maintenance; and leading or participating in lab tours.
  • Foregrounding the museum’s teaching and research mission, the Objects Conservation Fellow also helps provide content expertise and support for the Harvard Art Museums’ Art Study Center by monitoring classes and individual appointments of approximately six hours a week, participating in a series of art handling workshops, and contribute to a rich offering of interpretive programs across various platforms.
  • The Objects Conservation Fellow will be an active member of the broader Harvard Art Museums Fellows’ cohort and will participate in regular cohort meetings and in the anticipated annual Fellows symposium at the end of the spring semester.
  • The Objects Conservation Fellow may supervise students and interns on a project basis.

Requirements

PLEASE NOTE: This position is an on-site position.
 

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:
Master’s degree or equivalent in conservation or related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • Demonstrated record of treatment and research.
  • Excellent communications skills (listening, verbal, and written).
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Ability and desire to build trusting relationships with colleagues.
  • Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring the ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects.
  • Familiarity with state-of-the-art imaging tools used for conservation documentation, including digital photography and x-radiography.
  • Proficiency with computer software, including image processing software.

 

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity in conservation treatments and object handling required.

The Harvard Art Museums are committed to equity and inclusion in its staff and to engaging with a wide range of audiences and constituents, and welcome applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds who share these interests and commitments.

Application Procedures
Please apply online with a letter of interest and a résumé or curriculum vitae.  Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting January 31st, and continuing until the position is filled.

Upon review of initial applications, successful candidates will be notified to submit two letters of recommendation. Other supporting documents may include transcripts and writing samples.

We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and the lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.

Additional Information:
The term of this fellowship is September 6, 2022-June 28, 2024.  In addition to $50,000 annual compensation, the fellowship has an allocated travel budget and is eligible to participate in Harvard’s fringe benefits program.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/. 

Discover Harvard Art Museums and Harvard University Benefits

  • A creative, high-energy, collaborative environment
  • Generous Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holiday pay
  • Medical, Dental and Vision benefits starting on your first day
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Transportation benefits to help with your daily commute
  • Health and wellness discounts, memberships and programs

Additional benefits can be found at https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards