Position at Harvard

Associate Paintings Conservator
Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies
Harvard Art Museums

This is a 2 year term position, with the possibility of extension
depending on departmental needs and funding.

The Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies at the
Harvard Art Museums is seeking an Associate Paintings Conservator.
The Harvard Art Museums have long played a leading role in the
development of art history, conservation, and conservation science,
and in the evolution of the art museum as an institution.  The
museums' collections of approximately 250,000 objects number among
the largest in the United States.  The conservation department plays
an integral role in the museums' mission to advance knowledge about
and appreciation of art and art museums.  Conservators and
conservation scientists work collaboratively with all departments
within the museums and with the greater Harvard University community
to preserve, document, present, interpret, and strengthen the
collections and resources in the museums' care.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reports to the Conservator of Paintings, Straus Center for
Conservation.

Collections

    Performs conservation surveys, examinations, and treatments for
    paintings, murals, and certain polychromed objects for the
    Harvard Art Museums and occasional outside clients.  Collections
    span a broad range of cultures, focusing on European and
    American, and time periods from ancient to contemporary

    Prepares accompanying written and photographic documentation,
    estimates, correspondence, and condition reports for
    exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions

    Manages and executes preventive care for paintings, including
    light level monitoring and environmental needs

    Manages and executes treatment and care of University Loans and
    Portrait Collection

    Accompanies artworks as courier when needed

    Carries out minor treatment of frames

Administrative

    Participates in planning and preparing budgets for lab
    activities, exhibitions, and special projects

    Manages special projects related to conservation and
    preservation as needed

    Collaborates with and maintains good working relations with
    conservation scientists, conservators, curators, and other
    museum staff

    Assists Conservator of Paintings with selection, supervision,
    and instruction of conservation fellow

    Directs and instructs casual employees, contractors, or students
    as appropriate

    Assists in the maintenance of the lab and photo studio,
    including supplies, records, and equipment

    Serves as Paintings Lab point person for health and safety
    issues.  Uses and monitors the safe use of certain controlled or
    hazardous substances

    Practices and promotes the Guidelines for Practice and Code of
    Ethics as established by the AIC

Teaching

    Assists the Conservator of Paintings in teaching, including
    undergraduate and graduate courses on the materials and
    techniques, and the technical examination of art

    Advises and trains museum staff in the best practices for the
    care, handling, display, storage, and packing and shipping of
    paintings

Research

    Responsible for staying current with professional philosophies,
    procedures, and practices in the conservation field through
    membership in professional organizations, publications, and
    attendance at meetings, workshops, and seminars

    Conducts technical research relevant to the collection as
    assigned and is strongly encouraged to publish and present
    findings at national and international conferences

Institutional

    Works with and provides content for Communications and other
    museum departments

    Prepares and presents content for museum departments including
    Division of Academic and Public Programs, Curatorial, and
    Institutional Advancement

    Supports Collections Management's operation of Art Study Centers
    and Curricular Galleries

    Leads and participates in tours for various interest groups

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

Basic Qualifications

    MA, MS, or Certificate in Conservation from a recognized
    university program

    A minimum of 5 years' museum or other professional experience
    with skilled examination and treatment of paintings and painted
    surfaces from a broad range of cultures and time periods
    including Ancient, Asian, European, American, modern, and
    contemporary art

Additional Qualifications

    Demonstrated experience with state-of-the-art imaging tools used
    for conservation documentation including digital photography,
    x-radiography, infrared reflectography (IRR)

    Excellent computer skills, including image editing and
    management; high level of proficiency/expertise using Adobe
    PhotoShop and other software

    Excellent communication, writing, interpersonal, project
    management, and leadership skills

    Publications and presentations in professional forums

    Proficiency with the Museum System (TMS)

    Has or is eligible for Professional Associate or Fellow
    membership status in AIC

    Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work while standing, and on
    occasion in non-studio, on-site locations

    Ability to climb and work on a ladder and scaffolding

    Precise attention to detail and manual dexterity

Application Instructions: A complete application includes a cover
letter and curriculum vitae.  All application materials must be in
English.

Deadline for receipt of application materials is March 2, 2015
Preferred start date is June 1, 2015

Please apply online:

    <URL:http://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs>
    Search by School/Unit: Harvard Art Museums

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected
veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 28:31
                  Distributed: Friday, January 9, 2015
                       Message Id: cdl-28-31-030
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