Associate Conservator of Photographic Materials

Philadelphia Museum of Art • Philadelphia, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is seeking an Associate Conservator of Photographs to join their team. This role involves performing conservation examinations and treatments on the museum's extensive collection of over 35,000 photographic works of art, which spans the history of photography and includes various photographic processes and matrices. The Conservator will be responsible for examining, evaluating, documenting, conserving, and overseeing the preventative care of these materials. This position requires collaboration with museum staff and conservation scientists on historical and scientific research, as well as participation in exhibition, installation, loan, and preventive care activities. The role also involves professional engagement through publications, presentations, conferences, and continuing education, as well as working with contemporary artists and studios. The Associate Conservator will be an integral member of the paper conservation lab and will mentor junior staff, fellows, interns, and technicians. Additionally, they will participate in institutional initiatives and public engagement, and may be assigned minor treatments on prints and drawings.

Requirements

• Graduate degree from a recognized Art Conservation training program, with a specialization in photographic materials and general training in the care and conservation of works of art on paper.
• A minimum of 5 years professional experience beyond the degree in the study, preservation, and treatment of photographic materials.
• Proven ability to plan and execute a variety of conservation treatments on photographs and other works of art on paper.
• Experience collaborating with aligned professionals on the conservation of time-based media.
• Experience/interest in microfadometry analysis of photographs.
• Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitudes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus.
• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Responsibilities

• Examine, document, conduct research, and perform conservation treatment on a broad range of photographic materials.
• Evaluate and document the condition of photographs requested for loan, exhibition, and acquisition consideration.
• Collaborate with and advise colleagues across the museum on a range of preservation activities, such as housing, installation, storage, handling, packing, and transport of photographic materials.
• Collaborate with conservation scientists in chemical and instrumental analysis and characterization of photographic materials.
• Engage professionally with colleagues and the museum community by publishing and presenting technical and historical research, attending conferences and workshops, and pursuing continuing education opportunities to expand and refine knowledge and skills.
• Work with contemporary artists and studios to document artistic processes and preservation goals.
• Serve as an integral member on a team of museum colleagues dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of time-based media in the collection.
• Mentor and train junior conservation staff, post-graduate fellows, interns, and technicians.
• Participate as a member of the Conservation Division in a range of institutional initiatives and functions, including professional and public engagement.
• Examine, document, and conduct minor treatments on prints and drawings as assigned.

Benefits

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level