The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston seeks applicants to fill the full-time position of Hansjörg Wyss Conservator of Modern and Contemporary Art - Objects, for a term of 10 years.

Under the general direction of the Robert P. and Carol T. Henderson Head of Objects Conservation, the Hansjörg Wyss Conservator of Modern and Contemporary Art will maintain the highest standards of care for the collections. As a senior member of the Objects Conservation division, they must show an ability to work with minimal oversight while managing multiple projects and carrying out treatments to the highest degree of excellence. The Wyss Conservator must demonstrate an ability to effectively and calmly manage complex projects while working in close collaboration with curatorial staff and conservators across disciplines. The Wyss Conservator must have a track record illustrating deep engagement with and knowledge of a broad range of modern materials and art forms, including kinetic art, conceptual art, performance art, and computer-based and electronic art. A clear commitment to mentoring junior staff in their area of expertise is also expected. The Hansjörg Wyss Conservator of Modern and Contemporary Art will actively support all Museum goals and visitor engagement objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Carry out conservation treatments to the highest level of excellence with minimal oversight.

• Discuss and supervise conservation treatments at all stages and levels of complexity. Expert knowledge of chemical and physical properties of art materials and conservation materials within area of specialization. Remain current with conservation practice and devise conservation methods and techniques to solve new problems.

• In consultation with division head, set budgets and manages projects effectively.

• Work closely and collaboratively with curators and conservators to plan conservation projects and execute conservation treatments.

• In consultation with division head, advise curators on potential acquisitions in relation to questions of authenticity, quality, and condition. Prepare condition assessments of potential new acquisitions in collaboration with other conservation divisions when necessary.

• Advise on appropriate and safe display conditions for artworks, including determining appropriate environmental conditions.

• Advise and oversee appropriate handling of artworks to ensure safe movement and installation.

• Maintain standards for the documentation of treatments, including the preparation of all necessary records and reports in collections management database (TMS).

• Initiate research to advance conservation knowledge, and disseminate information in the field of conservation by publication and lecturing.

• Share expertise and work closely with colleagues to promote collaboration, training, and the advancement of conservation procedures and techniques.

• Attend seminars and conferences, and visit other conservation facilities to keep abreast of the latest conservation developments. Maintain professional affiliations in appropriate organizations.

• Encourage community engagement by giving talks and tours to a broad range of Museum audiences, including scholars, collectors, colleagues, school/university groups, and the general public.

• Work with artists, artist studios, fabrication studios, including carrying out artist interviews.

• Source and supervise contractors of allied professions when needed.

Qualification Requirements:

• Applicants should have a master’s degree (M.A. or M.S.) from a recognized conservation training program, or equivalent experience.

• Applicants must have at least 10 years of practical experience beyond training, within a museum environment, with a focus on the conservation of contemporary art objects.

• Must possess a strong knowledge of art materials, methods, and degradation, and have a significant conservation treatment record for three-dimensional and mixed media contemporary artwork that demonstrates excellence in the field.

• Experience in developing project budgets, and effectively managing workflows.

• Clear commitment to respectful collaboration, listening to other points of view, and finding workable solutions to problems.

• Demonstrated leadership abilities in training and mentoring staff.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills.

• Demonstrated record of contributions to the field in the form of publications and lectures.

• Well-developed organizational, management, and interpersonal skills.

• Must be well versed in maintaining conservation documentation to museum standards, including familiarity with Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and museum database software programs (The Museum System preferred).

• Demonstrated commitment to support the Museum’s values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) is essential.

Salary:

$88,026

Full-Time, 35 hours per week

This position is affiliated with the United Auto Workers Union.

Application materials must be received by May 17, 2024. For consideration, please submit letter of interest and résumé using the online portal. Please contact conservation@mfa.org with any questions.

The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.