Job Summary

The Conservation Fellowship Program at the Harvard Art Museums is designed to broaden the experience of conservators embarking on professional careers in museum conservation. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• The main focus for the Craigen W. Bowen Paper Conservation Fellow will be the examination and treatment of works of art from the Harvard Art Museums’ collections as driven by the exhibition, loans, and research needs.
• Under the supervision of the Philip and Lynn Straus Conservator of Works of Art on Paper, the fellow carries out a broad range of activities, including treating works of art in the collections; preparing accompanying written and photographic documentation, estimates, correspondence, and condition reports for exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions; and presenting research and other projects.
• Foregrounding the museum’s teaching and research mission, the Craigen W. Bowen Paper Conservation Fellow also helps provide content expertise and support for the Art Museums’ Art Study Center by supporting classes and individual appointments six hours a week participates in a series of art handling workshops and contributes to a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.
• The Craigen W. Bowen Paper Conservation Fellow will be an active member of the Fellows’ cohort and participate in regular cohort meetings and the annual Fellows symposium.

Basic Qualifications

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

Master’s degree in conservation or related field or Bachelors’ degree plus a post-graduate qualification in conservation.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated record of treatment and research.
• Excellent communications skills (listening, verbal, and written).
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Ability and desire to build trusting relationships with colleagues.
• Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring the ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to relate to co-workers and inspire others to participate and problem-solve.
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art imaging tools used for conservation documentation, including digital photography and x-radiography, and infrared reflectography (IRR).
• Proficiency with computer software, including image editing and management software and Adobe Photoshop.

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with the transition to onsite in Cambridge when the office reopens.

We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and the lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.

The Harvard Art Museums are committed to equity and inclusion in its staff and to engaging with a wide range of audiences and constituents, and welcome applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds who share these interests and commitment.

Application Procedures
Please apply online with a letter of interest and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting June 11, 2021, and continuing until the position is filled.

Upon review of initial applications, selected candidates will be notified to submit two letters of recommendation. Other supporting documents may include transcripts and writing samples.

Please apply online with the letter and curriculum vitae using the application link provided.

Additional Note:
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.

Additional Information:
The term of this fellowship is September 7, 2021- June 30, 2022. In addition to the compensation, the fellowship has an allocated travel budget and is eligible to participate in Harvard’s fringe benefits program.

Discover Harvard Art Museums and Harvard University Benefits

• A creative, high- energy, collaborative environment
• Generous Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holiday pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits starting on your first day
• Transportation benefits to help with your daily commute
• Health and wellness discounts, memberships, and programs

Additional benefits can be found at https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards