Project Conservator for Ancient Works of Art

26-Aug-2024

Project Conservator for Ancient Works of Art

Harvard Art Museums

66724BR

Job Summary

The focus of this position is the treatment, research, study, documentation, and mounting of a large ancient Samarian mosaic in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums for the purposes of stabilization and installation in the Ancient Art galleries. While working as an integral part of the collaborative art museums team, the Project Conservator may also contribute to other projects, such as the treatment or preparation of additional objects for gallery reinstallation. Projects will be chosen and carried out in consultation with the Head of the Objects Lab and the Curator of Ancient Art.  

Position Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Executes, as a primary project, collaborative research and technical study supporting the treatment, documentation, and display of a large ancient Samarian mosaic, including structural and aesthetic work.  
• May supervise the work of Fellows or Junior Fellow who might assist with the mosaic project. 
• Publishes and presents the results of the project with curatorial, conservation and conservation scientist partners. 
• Performs condition surveys and reports, examinations, and conservation treatments of additional ancient objects in the Harvard Art Museums’ collection in preparation for a reinstallation of the ancient art galleries.  
• Collaborates with conservation scientists as needed to investigate treatment-related analytical questions.  
• Manages and executes preventive care for objects, including advising on and researching housing, handling, storage, or environmental needs. 
• May provide content or outreach for Communications, the Division of Academic and Public Programs, Curatorial, and Institutional Advancement, and other departments as needed.  
• Assists in the maintenance of the lab and photo studio as needed, including supplies, records, and equipment. 
• Practices and promotes the Guidelines for Practice and Code of Ethics as established by the AIC. 
• Applies and promotes the best practices for health and safety in choosing, handling, and storing materials and tools, and maintaining workspaces. 

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• One to two years post-graduate conservation experience is strongly preferred. This may include time as a conservation intern or fellow. 
• Experience with the conservation of mosaics and/or ancient art is preferred. 
• Works effectively as a member of a collaborative team. Communicates clearly, reliably, and respectfully. 
• Capable of performing treatments independently to high and practical standards, while understanding when it is appropriate to seek guidance from more experienced conservators.  
• Effective problem-solving, time- and project-management skills. 
• Precise attention to detail and manual dexterity. 
• Demonstrated experience with technical study of 3D objects and familiarity with analytical techniques such as XRF, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, and GC-MS.  
• Demonstrated experience with imaging tools used for conservation documentation including digital photography and x-radiography. 
• Excellent computer skills, including image editing and management; proficiency in using Adobe PhotoShop. 

Physical Requirements

• Lab and workshop environment, including use of various chemicals and tools.
• Excellent hand skills and manual dexterity required. 
• Able to carry out fine, yet physical, work standing or sitting for extended periods using manual and power tools. 
• Able to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. 
• Able to color match. 

Additional Information

This position will be required to work at either/both Cambridge and Somerville Harvard Art Museums sites. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to consider candidates who require current or future visa sponsorship for staff positions at the Harvard Art Museums.

This position has a 3-month orientation and review period. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

The Harvard Art Museums
Ever since their founding, the Harvard Art Museums—the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum—have been dedicated to advancing and supporting learning at Harvard University, in the local community, and around the world. Displayed in galleries that mix not only media but schools of art, the collection at Harvard is celebrated and interrogated within a larger story of artistic expression and historical and contemporary issues. The diverse collection is among the largest in the United States. Through research, teaching, professional training, and public education the museums strive to advance the understanding and appreciation of art.

The museums value staff diversity and are committed to building a culturally diverse community. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Museum

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

388056 Museum Professional

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

056

Department

HAM/Conservation

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Appointment End Date

09-Oct-2026

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

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, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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