Assistant Conservator for East Asian Works of Art on Paper

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

How You Will Contribute

The Philadelphia Museum of Art seeks to hire an Assistant Conservator for East Asian Works of Art on Paper for a two-year term. Working closely with the museum’s Senior Conservator of Works of Art on Paper in our state-of-the art paper conservation laboratory, the Assistant Conservator will study the scope and materiality of the museum’s Asian Art works on paper, evaluate strategies for conserving works in specific media, and perform conservation examinations and treatments. This growing and important collection comprises 9,400 objects of which 1,000 are East Asian hanging scrolls, handscrolls, album leaves, and folding screens and 6,100 Chinese and Japanese woodblock prints. The Assistant Conservator will serve as an integral member of the museum’s conservation staff and participate in activities relating to exhibitions, installations, loans, preventive care of the permanent collections, and professional and public engagement, gaining a broad range of knowledge, skills, and techniques to launch their career in this specialized field.

Specifically, you will:



 

• Examine, conduct research, and perform conservation treatment on a broad range of Asian works of art on paper
• Coordinate and assist consulting Asian Conservation specialists as they are contracted for treatment or remounting projects
• Assess the condition of works requested for loan or being considered for acquisition, and document the condition of incoming or outgoing loans
• Participate and support preventative conservation initiatives for the care of Asian art on paper in the galleries and in storage
• Advise on housing, installation, storage, handling, packing, and transport of works of art
• Collaborate with conservation scientists in chemical and instrumental analysis and characterization of materials of works of art
• Conduct microfadometry analysis of light sensitive works of art using a Fotonowy Automated Fadeometer
• Serve as a liaison with conservation studios and material researchers in Asia on matters pertaining to the conservation of the museum’s collection
• Work with Asian Art curatorial staff and consulting specialists to identify and plan, and prioritize Asian Art preservation projects
• Represent the museum’s Conservation Division in a range of institutional initiatives and functions, as well as in professional and public engagement

Your background and experience include:



 

• Academic credentials from a recognized conservation training program and a minimum of 2 years specialized experience beyond the degree in the study, care, and treatment of works of art on paper.
• Proven ability to plan and execute a variety of complex conservation treatments
• Preliminary experience and training in the conservation of Asian works of art on paper (e.g., internships, fellowships, intensive trainings, etc.)
• Experience/interest in microfadometry analysis of works of art on paper
• Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitudes. Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with Asian art, languages, and cultures
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Position and Compensation Details

• The salary for this position is $64,000.
• This position is Full-Time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
• This position reports to he Charles K. Williams, II, Senior Conservator of Works of Art on Paper
• This is a 2 year term position.
• Physical requirements:
  • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements



 

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

Application Procedures:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Examination and treatment reports (including photographic documentation) for two works of art (no more than 10MB); or a link to documents
• Contact information (phone number and email) for three professional references familiar with the candidate’s work

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:



 

• 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

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:



 

• 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

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.