Conservation Scientist

Philadelphia Museum of Art•Philadelphia, PA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Conservation Scientist conducts scientific research and analysis to inform the preservation and scholarly interpretation of the Museum’s collections. As a member of the Museum’s scientific staff, they help facilitate the development of the Scientific Research Department, and its staff. They contribute to long-range planning for department and Conservation Division. They participate in related activities to enable the Museum to fulfill its mission and maintain the highest standards of scholarship and professional practice.

Requirements

PhD degree in a physical science or related discipline, and 5+ years professional experience in a museum, academic, or corporate research laboratory.
Competency in analytical techniques, such as FTIR, GC/MS, SEM/EDS, XRD, XRF, and related computer applications.
Excellent communication skills in speaking and writing (evidence required).
Ability to work and interact successfully with others in broad range of disciplines and positions, e.g., co-workers, students, and visiting scholars.
Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies.

Nice To Haves

May have supplemental conservation, fine arts, or art history degree.

Responsibilities

Undertake scientific research and analysis of the Museum’s collections for their preservation and scholarly interpretation.
Collaborate with conservators, curators, scientists, and educators at the Museum and elsewhere, regarding scientific, conservation, and art historical research.
Prepare and disseminate written reports of scientific findings to Museum staff, as appropriate.
Make research public via scholarly journals, exhibition catalogues, and presentations at conferences and public lectures.
Enhance scholarship by staying abreast of developments in scientific and conservation literature and fields.
Help plan and develop laboratory resources through grant proposals, in-kind donations and cultivation of individuals able to provide support.
Help select and use instruments, and maintain instruments, equipment, and supplies.
Work to ensure a safe laboratory environment for occupants.
Help mentor and facilitate research of department’s technicians, fellows, interns, and students, and encourage their professional development.
Help develop and implement departmental budget.
Participate in tours and events for visitors and donors and fundraising events.
Help develop and maintain professional collaborations with academic and corporate laboratories to provide external support.
Perform educational outreach, e.g., lectures in chemistry or preservation programs.
Participate in professional organizations.
Ensure that appropriate skills and knowledge are developed and maintained through continuing education, training, and professional meetings.
Perform other duties 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