Conservation Junior Fellow at Straus Center for Conservation, Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

This exciting one-year training opportunity with the Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies at the Harvard Art Museums will introduce you to the field of art conservation. The Pre-Program Conservation Junior Fellowship program has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. This program aims to increase access, diversity, and inclusive excellence in the field of art conservation and prepare the junior fellow for potential further training in a graduate degree program.

The Conservation Junior Fellow will work under close supervision of and encouragement by the Straus Center staff. The Junior Fellow will gain knowledge, hands-on experience, and familiarity with various functions involved in the preservation of a range of objects and materials in a lab setting. They will also learn how conservation functions within an academic museum.

Position Description:

• Assist the staff of the Straus Center conservation labs in the examination and treatment of works of art from the Harvard Art Museums' collections. The Junior Fellow will support the priorities of the Straus Center staff, which are generally driven by exhibition, loans, and research needs.
• Under the close supervision of the Straus Center staff, the Junior Fellow carries out a broad range of activities, including basic treatments of works of art in the collections; preparing accompanying written and photographic documentation, and preparing condition reports for various objects intended for exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions; and assisting with research and other projects.
• As a member of the Harvard Art Museums community, the Junior Fellow is expected to participate, as required, in activities such as assisting with Art Study Center appointments, assisting with classes in the Materials Labs, and presenting their work with class or lab tours. The Junior Fellow will be an active member of the Harvard Art Museums Fellows' cohort. Activities can include regular meetings with museums departments, a Fellows conference, visits to other museums.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in humanities, sciences, or studio art.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated interest in the preservation of cultural material.
• Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal and written).
• Flexible and inquisitive team player who thrives in a learning environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with co-workers, students, visitors, etc. and inspire others to participate and problem-solve.
• Proficiency with computer software, and a willingness to learn how to operate new software.

Physical Requirements

• Manual dexterity and ability to handle art objects required.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting
• This is an on-site position

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE: 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.

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