Chinese Paintings Conservation Graduate Intern (Spr -Summer '27)
About The Position
The department of Conservation and Scientific Research is an integral part of the Museum’s stated purpose to hold its collections in trust for future generations. Members of the department promote the long-term preservation of artworks through development of conservation treatments, study of materials and techniques, scholarly research and documentation. The department follows internationally established standards to document and maintain the aesthetic and physical integrity of works of art through six conservation disciplines, an analytical facility, and close collaboration with collections management colleagues responsible for safe exhibition, storage, transport, and the collections database. The Chinese paintings division of the Asian Conservation Studio seeks a conservation graduate intern, for a 6-month period starting spring 2027, to be fully integrated as part of the conservation team, which is responsible for the care, documentation, and treatment of all Chinese paintings and calligraphies in traditional mounting formats and must also support a very active schedule of installations, exhibitions, and loans. Intern will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the Studio’s work, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a busy conservation studio, including experience in exhibition preparation, communication between different departments, use of the MFA’s database system, as well as handling, housing, documentation, examination, treatment proposals, and execution of treatments for Chinese works in traditional formats. Intern will take on work appropriate to their abilities and also undertake projects chosen to further develop conservation skills. Activities will mostly involve Chinese artworks with one project focused on Korean paintings mounted in a Japanese scroll format. Intern will be expected to carry out tasks in support of the functions and operations of the Studio. Intern will be supervised by the Cornelius Van der Starr Conservator of Chinese Paintings and will interact and collaborate with conservators from other disciplines, collections care specialists, and curators.
Requirements
- Recent graduate (within one year prior to start of internship) or graduate student enrolled during internship period in a recognized art conservation training program with basic conservation knowledge in ethics and theory.
- Experience with 1-2 Asian paper or paintings conservation projects preferred (please provide portfolio)
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent hand skills
- Facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database programs (training in use of the Museum’s database system will be provided)
- Ability to perform tasks in professional manner and with discretion when working with confidential records.
- Ability to commit to work onsite 5 days per week (mostly within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters) for one year starting January 22, 2027, including joining in Museums in Context professional development courses 1-2 hours per week.
- Ability to attend orientation on Friday, January 22, 2027, 10am to 3:30pm
Nice To Haves
- Experience with 1-2 Asian paper or paintings conservation projects
Responsibilities
- Assist in the conservation of works of art in the MFA’s collections.
- Conduct and document examinations.
- Undertake research necessary to support conservation treatments.
- Execute treatments under supervision of staff conservators.
- Prepare written and photographic documentation for exhibitions/loans.
- Assist with exhibitions, installations, preventive conservation, and the processing of loans.
- Perform other duties as appropriate.
- Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museums in Context professional development course.
Benefits
- $19.95 per hour
- $90 per month transportation subsidy
- one-time $1,500 housing subsidy paid in two equal payments if internship period spans summer of 2027
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
