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.
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.
Examine, conduct research, and perform conservation treatment on a broad range of Asian works of art on paperCoordinate and assist consulting Asian Conservation specialists as they are contracted for treatment or remounting projectsAssess the condition of works requested for loan or being considered for acquisition, and document the condition of incoming or outgoing loansParticipate and support preventative conservation initiatives for the care of Asian art on paper in the galleries and in storageAdvise on housing, installation, storage, handling, packing, and transport of works of artCollaborate with conservation scientists in chemical and instrumental analysis and characterization of materials of works of artConduct microfadometry analysis of light sensitive works of art using a Fotonowy Automated FadeometerServe as a liaison with conservation studios and material researchers in Asia on matters pertaining to the conservation of the museum’s collectionWork 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
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 treatmentsPreliminary 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 paperDemonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitudes. Strong written and verbal communication skillsFamiliarity with Asian art, languages, and culturesStrong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Position and Compensation DetailsThe 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 PaperThis 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 campusBackground check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
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.
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.
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:
Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family Discounted guest tickets for admission Discounts on gift membershipsSpecial staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teamsDiscounts 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.
We're Philadelphia's art museum, a landmark building, a world-renowned collection. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study or creative play—to discover the creative spirit that lies within each of us. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable.
Our values define who we are. They drive the way we do things and the decisions we make. We are open – we welcome everyone, opening eyes and minds to the expressive power of the arts. We are connected – we sustain and strengthen the communities we serve, bringing together diverse audiences. We are vital – we bring the arts to life, engaging visitors from Philadelphia and around the world. We are provocative – we believe that the arts can change the way we understand ourselves and how we see the world.
We expect every employee, department, and division to work collaboratively with all others, inspired by a shared purpose. We respect each other as individuals and colleagues. We encourage innovation and support one another’s efforts, recognizing that innovation involves risk. We are an equal opportunity employer that actively seeks to employ a diverse group of people who embody our values.
Our employees are at the center of the Museum. We want to ensure they are engaged in their work and rewarded for a job well done. We offer generous benefits and compensation such as:
• Extensive paid time off
• Retirement savings program with Museum match
• Excellent health, dental, and vision benefits at low cost to employees
• Fully paid life and disability insurance
• Museum Perks
