Assistant Book Conservator, The Morgan Illuminated (Full-time, 33-month term, January 2027-October 2029)

The Morgan Library & Museum•New York, NY

23d

About The Position

The Morgan Library & Museum is hiring a full-time, project-based Assistant Book Conservator for a 33-month term running from January 2027 through October 2029. The successful candidate will join a small department of experienced conservators and preparators caring for the Morgan’s collections and will support the institution’s mission to preserve, interpret, and develop its collections while making them accessible to a broad and diverse audience. The position focuses primarily on the examination, documentation, technical study, and treatment of bound illuminated manuscripts for The Morgan Illuminated digitization project. The conservator will also support the imaging department in safely digitizing manuscripts and take part in preventive conservation activities related to the safe housing, storage, handling, imaging, and display of collection materials. The position reports to the Sherman Fairchild Director of Conservation and works with book conservation staff. The role is project-funded and begins in January 2027.

Requirements

A graduate degree (M.A. or M.S.) in conservation from an established university program, or equivalent training and experience.
A minimum of 2 years of work experience in the conservation of bound materials.
Knowledge and experience with a range of simple and complex treatment options for medieval manuscript materials, and the ability to execute appropriate treatments accurately and precisely, demonstrated through a portfolio.
Keen observational skills for understanding and interpreting medieval manuscripts, techniques and working methods, and the effects of past and present conservation treatments.
Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of bound objects and the substances used to treat them, and awareness of analytical or other techniques for identifying these materials or determining changes in them.
Familiarity with digital, spectral, and other technical imaging used to study historical artifacts and document conservation treatments; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Bridge, and processing RAW image files.
Understanding of and adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice, including written and photographic documentation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a commitment to collegial, collaborative work across departments.
Ability to manage priorities to meet project deadlines and take a flexible, creative approach to problem solving.
Proficiency in the Windows environment, especially Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, Gmail, and Google Drive; ability to learn and use the Morgan’s collections and information systems (TMS).
Excellent manual dexterity and visual acuity, and ability to work standing as needed to complete conservation treatments.
Ability to use appropriate personal protective equipment to protect against moderate levels of dust, mold, or chemicals used in treatment.
Authorization to work in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship; the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Examine, document, technically study, and treat bound illuminated manuscripts for The Morgan Illuminated digitization project.
Support the imaging department in safely digitizing manuscripts.
Participate in preventive conservation activities that promote the safe housing, storage, handling, imaging, and display of collection materials.
Work with book conservation staff and report to the Sherman Fairchild Director of Conservation.