Post Graduate Fellowship - Paintings Conservation

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The fellowship is structured to provide an emerging conservator with well-rounded skills and hands-on experience needed for a successful career in conservation. Primarily supervised by Winterthur’s paintings conservator, the fellow will also work with the Associate Curator of Art and Visual Culture and the staff of the Scientific Research and Analysis Laboratory (SRAL) to carry out research, technical examination, and conservation treatment of several paintings as a part of an extensive study of works by the Peale family of artists in the Winterthur collection.  Additionally, the fellow will assist with all routine activities of the paintings lab and the conservation department and participate in outreach programs as appropriate, including a monthly conservation clinic for the public and conservation tours for special interest groups and the public. The fellow is strongly encouraged to interact with Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC) students, faculty, and guest speakers by mentoring and teaching, as appropriate, and attending lectures and selected classes that support their professional growth.

Compensation:  $45,620.00 / year

Benefits:  Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 35 hours/week. The position is for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second year and would start in September or October of 2025.

Responsibilities:

1. Carries out thorough examination, written documentation, and treatment of selected paintings in consultation with the Associate Paintings Conservator and the Associate Curator of Art and Visual Culture, in accordance with standards established by professional conservation organizations such as the American Institute for Conservation.
2. Conducts technical analysis of selected paintings in consultation with the Associate Paintings Conservator and the staff of the Scientific Research and Analysis Laboratory to study their construction, material composition, and technique.
3. Creates thorough and accurate written and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments, analysis, and research, and logs all applicable information and documentation in the museum collections management system, Axiell EMu.
4. Assists with the day-to-day operations of the paintings lab, including condition checks for special exhibitions and loans, remedial treatments, and collection moves.
5. Participates in tours and other outreach programs aimed at introducing basic conservation principles to the Winterthur staff, students, and public visitors.
6. Participates in select activities of the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation as appropriate, and interfaces with faculty and students.
7. Engages in continued-education activities such as attending professional conferences, as time and funding permits, reading professional journals, and conferring with colleagues.
8. Fulfills conservation department and other institutional assignments and maintains a safe and professional workspace.

Requirements

Minimum Experience:  Completion of a Masters degree in conservation from a recognized university program within the last five years or equivalent

Preferred Experience: Major in paintings conservation or equivalent specialization with Experience working in a paintings conservation lab within an institutional setting; experience in the treatment of  frames.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of current paintings conservation practices, historical painting materials and techniques, and methods of technical examination; ability to apply this knowledge to the treatment, assessment, and long-term preservation of collection objects.
2. Excellent hand skills, attention to detail, and critical thinking.
3. Ability to assess the conservation needs of paintings and to recommend proper housing, storage, and display conditions.
4. Strong organizational skills and time management; ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
5. Experience with technical imaging for paintings, including x-radiography and infrared reflectography, highly desirable.

Essential Functions:

1. The individual may be required to work with toxic materials, adhering to appropriate health and safety protocols
2. The individual operates highly sophisticated equipment such as binocular and compound microscopes
3. The individual may be required to work on ladders or lifts with appropriate training and may be asked to lift up to 30 lbs.
4. Must be able to work at a computer for up to 8 hours a day