Assistant Conservator, Paper Conservation

About the Art Institute of Chicago

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. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

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, and 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.

Position Summary

The Assistant Conservator plays an important role in the preservation, research, and stewardship of works of art on paper and other paper-based collections. Working collaboratively with conservators, scientists, curators, registrars, and collections staff, this position conducts examinations, research, and conservation treatments and supports long-term care of the museum's permanent collection, exhibitions, acquisitions, and loans.

The Assistant Conservator contributes to innovative conservation practices through technical study, scholarly research, and professional engagement. This role also supports the museum's commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where varied perspectives and experiences strengthen our work and mission.

Responsibilities

 Treatment and Collection Care

• Prepare treatment proposals in consultation with the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and specialty conservators.


• Examine, assess, and document the condition of works of art on paper and related collection materials.


• Perform conservation treatments appropriate to the needs of the collection.


• Utilize technical imaging, material analysis, and other examination methods to inform treatment decisions.


• Support preventive conservation initiatives in galleries, storage, and transit.


• Respond to collection emergencies as requested.

Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions

• Conduct examinations and prepare condition documentation for works entering or leaving the museum.


• Review and assess works under consideration for acquisition and prepare related conservation documentation.


• Support exhibitions, including condition reporting, treatment recommendations, and compliance with lender requirements.


• Serve as an artwork courier, in person or virtually, when needed.

Conservation Records

• Maintain accurate conservation documentation in departmental, collection management, and digital asset systems in accordance with museum and archival standards. 

Materials and Supplies

• Contribute to laboratory maintenance and safety practices.


• Research, recommend, and order conservation materials and supplies with the Administrative Coordinator for Conservation and Science.

Collaboration

• Communicate with colleagues regarding project priorities, goals, and timelines.


• Collaborate across departments to support collection care, exhibitions, research initiatives, and institutional priorities.


• Foster an inclusive and respectful work environment that values diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions.

Research

• Conduct research on artists' techniques, materials, and conservation methodologies.


• Contribute to the advancement of the conservation field through scholarly research and investigation.


• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices and explore their application to the museum's collections.


• Perform basic technical analysis following training and collaborate with conservation scientists on advanced scientific investigations.

Communication, Professional Development, and Dissemination

• Publish and share research findings through museum publications, journals, presentations, social media, and other professional forums.


• Attend conferences, workshops, and professional meetings.


• Correspond with conservation professionals, scholars, and researchers regarding technical inquiries and collaborative projects.


• Participate in public-facing activities, including lectures, tours, and educational programs.

Training and Mentorship

• Support the supervision and mentorship of interns, volunteers, and visiting scholars.


• Assist in training art handlers, photographers, and other museum staff on the safe handling and care of collection materials.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from a recognized conservation training program or equivalent education, training, and experience.


• Two or more years of postgraduate conservation experience in a museum, library, archive, or related institution.


• Demonstrated expertise in examining and treating prints, drawings, manuscripts, and other paper-based collections.


• Knowledge of conservation theory, ethics, treatment methodologies, documentation standards, and preventive conservation.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and convey technical information to diverse audiences.


• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.


• Commitment to supporting the museum's efforts to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

 Compensation & Benefits 

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

 Hiring Range: $55,000-62,000

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.   

• Benefits          


• PTO Overview 


• Job Classification: Full time Exempt


• Employment Category: Full time Staff


• Grade Level: 7

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information 

Application Instructions 

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and short portfolio to be considered for this position. 

Union 

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31. 

Accessibility 

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page: 

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at  [email protected].