David Booth Fellowship in Paintings Conservation
September 2020 – August 2022
The David Booth Conservation Department at The Museum of Modern Art is pleased to offer a two-year fellowship in paintings conservation, starting September 2020. The fellowship provides an opportunity to acquire comprehensive training in paintings preservation, conservation, and restoration in a museum setting. Working as part of the paintings conservation team, the fellow will assist conservators with all facets of the preservation, conservation, and restoration of paintings, including acquisition, exhibition, treatment, collection care, and research. Fellowship activities will involve collaboration with departments at the Museum, including curatorial, Exhibition Design and Production, Exhibition Planning and Administration, Information Technology, Collection Management and Exhibition Registration, and the Creative Team. Besides developing and refining advanced techniques in paintings conservation, the fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with MoMA's conservation scientists to develop and carry out research projects to be disseminated or published online, at conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.
Education
Graduates must be from a recognized conservation and restoration training programs or closely related field (bachelor's required, masters' preferred); candidates with equivalent training will be considered.
Experience
Internship in the treatment of paintings. No more than three years experience past graduation.
Qualifications
· Examination and treatment of paintings at an advanced intern level.
· Some experience with treatment of modern and contemporary works preferable.
· Familiarity with condition digital imaging documentation, including ultra-violet, infrared, and photomicrography.
· Use of analytic instruments, including microscopes, X-ray equipment, and other instruments for the examination and technical analysis of works of art and their constituent parts.
· Excellent speaking, reading, and writing skills in English.
· Proficiency with computer software, including image editing, and Adobe Photoshop.
Responsibilities
· Conducts examinations and writes condition reports on works of art. Recommends and executes treatment of works of art and their optimal storage and exhibition conditions in consultation with paintings conservators, scientists, and other higher titles as well as curators. Records full photographic and written documentation of original condition and all stages of treatment of works of art.
· Assists in advising curatorial, registration, and exhibitions staff on the conservation requirements to ensure protection of works of art during exhibition, packing, and shipping. Assists in advising curators on the condition of works of art as related to exhibition, loans, and acquisition.
· Examines and interprets the physical structure of works of art and liaises with conservation scientists on the interpretation of scientific data.
· Participates in courier trips of loaned works as required.
· Assists in supervising seasonal (three-month) interns and conservation program trainees as requested.
· Investigates, evaluates, and tests new materials used by contemporary artists. Researches, develops, and tests materials and techniques for conservation use. Keeps abreast of new technical and material developments in the art historical and conservation fields through attendance at meetings and readings of conservation, technical, and art historical literature.
· Actively produces online content in collaboration with MoMA's Creative Team, publishes research, and is encouraged to speak at related professional conferences.
· Adheres to the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
· Performs other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.
Stipend: $49,000 plus benefits and vacation, with $3,775 for research and travel.
Candidates must submit a statement of interest, a current CV, and a list of references, to MoMA no later than March 1, 2020. To apply, please visit MoMA Jobs.
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. The Museum of Modern Art's Conservation Fellowship Initiative is made possible through the David Booth Conservation Center Endowment Fund.