The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Media Conservator to work within the Media Conservation section of the David Booth Conservation Department and Center. This role involves working collaboratively on a wide-range of modern and contemporary works across all curatorial departments and participating in all departmental activities, including examination, documentation, treatment, and research of collection materials, as well as exhibition, collection care, loan, and courier responsibilities. Reporting to the Associate Media Conservator and the Agnes Gund Chief Conservator, the incumbent will have the following specific responsibilities:
- Examines, documents, and treats media artworks in the collection that include audio, film, video, performance, and software-based artworks.
- Participates in all departmental activities, including acquisition, preparation of works for exhibition, collection care, loans, and research.
- Condition-assesses all forms of media works, including, but not limited to, audio, film, video, and software.
- Assists with the maintenance of the media conservation lab, including researching, maintaining, and updating both equipment and software.
- Works collaboratively across departments at the Museum, including Conservation, curatorial, Audio Visual, Exhibition Planning and Design, and Collection Management and Exhibition Registration.
- Assists with the daily operation of the Museum’s digital repository, including ingesting of digital artwork material, collaborating with the ongoing development, and other repository related tasks.
- Conducts research centering on media conservation protocols, new tools, and technologies related to artists’ practice and methods.
- Participates in training and supervision of interns and fellows.
Qualified candidates will possess a graduate degree in conservation or equivalent training. Two years experience in the conservation of media works in a museum setting or equivalent. Experience performing all aspects of the treatment of media works, with adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Institute for Conservation. Understanding of the theory and practice of conservation documentation related to media, installation, and performance art is expected as is a firm grounding in artist interview practice. Knowledge and experience of condition assessment and installation of current and historic media technologies in audio, video, film, and software/computer-based art. Strong interpersonal and written communication skills. Ability to work cooperatively on projects and to work independently on treatments. Ability to travel as required. Experience engaging with artists and their studios is desirable. Familiarity with the Museum’s collection management system, The Museum System, is desirable.
Candidates must submit a detailed letter of interest stating education, work history, involvement with modern and/or contemporary art, and research interests. The inclusion of a writing sample, either published work or work-related documentation or research, is strongly recommended. The application should include the names of three references, but letters from references are not requested. No treatment reports are requested and should not be included. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to supply treatment reports at that time. All material, in digital form, should be sent to jobs@moma.org by no later than August 15, 2017.
If hired, the individual must successfully complete a security threat assessment through the Department of Homeland Security.
The Museum of Modern Art is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.
https://www.moma.org/about/get-involved/jobs#assistant-media-conservator-20170705
