Assistant Paper Conservator, Special Projects

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:  

• Hiring Range
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Special Projects
• Grade Level: 7

About The Department

Responsible for the treatment, research, and long-term preservation of over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute’s collections, the Department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museum’s mission to safeguard the world’s artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single paintings conservator, the department has grown to a staff of over 30 specializing in nine disciplines organized in five divisions:

○ Objects and Textiles

○ Paintings and Frames

○ Paper and Books 

○ Photography and Media

○ Scientific Research

Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination, are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research, and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals.

About The Position

This Special Projects position is an 8 month position, with varying degrees of supervision, the Assistant Conservator carries out examination, research and treatment of objects in the permanent collection, providing ongoing care to works of art on paper and other paper-based museum collections. Conducts in-depth studies and publishes on artists’ technique and on methods and materials used in the making or caring of works of art. Assists with preparation, installation, and documentation of exhibitions and loans, and serves as a courier with artwork as needed. Assists with collection care and preventive conservation processes. Is committed to and actively engaged in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

Responsibilities

Treatment and Collection Care 

⋅ Prepares treatment proposals in consultation with the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and specialty conservators. Executes conservation treatments with supervision. 

⋅ Determines and documents an object’s condition, including technical imaging and material analysis when possible.

⋅ Contributes to activities related to preventative care of works of art on paper in the galleries and in storage.

⋅ Responds to emergencies that occur in galleries or storage areas as requested.

Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions

⋅ With varying degrees of supervision, carries out examinations on works of art on paper as they enter and leave the museum for loans, and prepares and shares related documentation.

⋅ With varying levels of supervision is responsible for review of works under consideration for purchase and preparation of relevant documentation.

⋅ As assigned by supervisor, manages the conservation requirements for exhibitions, including condition reporting and minor treatment, and ensuring that environmental requirements of lenders are met. 

⋅ Serves as a courier (virtual or in person) for artwork if needed.

Conservation Records

⋅ Maintains all conservation documentation pertaining to the collection in the department’s files and shares copies in the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards.

Materials And Supplies

⋅ Contributes to lab maintenance and safety, researches and orders supplies in consultation with the Administrative Coordinator for Conservation and Science.

Collaboration

⋅ Maintains clear communication with colleagues about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects. 

⋅ Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our organization.

Research

⋅ Conducts research and publishes on technique, conservation and on methods and materials of works of art on paper.

⋅ Keeps up to date with the newest technologies and seeks ways of applying them to the conservation of Art Institute collections.

⋅ Performs basic technical analysis after training and conducts more sophisticated scientific investigation in partnership with the museum’s conservation scientists 

Communication, professional development and dissemination 

⋅ Publishes results of research projects in Museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences.

⋅ Travels to attend conferences and workshops, present papers and confer with colleagues.

⋅ With supervision, corresponds with professionals with regard to research, answers inquiries of a technical nature, in-house and outside the institution. Answers public inquiries by phone and mail as necessary. Conducts studio tours and lectures.

Training And Mentorship

⋅ May occasionally be asked to supervise interns, volunteers and visiting scholars as needed.

⋅ May be asked by supervisor or specialty conservators to participate in the training and supervision of art handlers, photographers and other specialists in all aspects of their work with objects and equipment.

⋅ May occasionally assist with mentoring fellows and  interns 

Qualifications

⋅ Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program with preferably two years of post-graduate experience or commensurate qualification and experience. 

⋅ Proven expertise in the treatment of prints, drawings and other paper-based collections representing globally diverse traditions and perspectives.

⋅ Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by written reports, publications, presentations or social media presence. 

⋅ Must be able to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines and be proficient at project prioritization. 

⋅ Embraces the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution.

About The Organization

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.