Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, and other manifestations of visual culture, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods. The Guggenheim realizes this mission through exceptional exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim strives to engage and educate an increasingly diverse international audience through its unique network of museums and partnerships. With nearly three million annual visitors worldwide, the Guggenheim and its network is one of the most visited cultural institutions in the world.
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and is a museum of modern and contemporary art with a mission to contribute to and stimulate expansive perspectives on the history of art. Presenting an international collection with a specific focus on West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia (WANASA), Guggenheim Abu Dhabi fosters a deeper understanding of how different local, regional, and international forces have shaped the interconnected histories and cultures of our time.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation is seeking an Associate Conservator in Time-based Media for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project team to be based in New York. The Associate Conservator will work closely with an expanding and culturally diverse team across multiple departments and regions, including New York, Abu Dhabi, and Cologne. This role requires an experienced conservator to review and advise on time-based media work and provide guidance in the oversight and installation at Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The following responsibilities are specific to time-based media and include condition assessment of works acquired through North American vendors; participation in conservation due diligence for acquisitions; advise on procedures for their storage and long-term viability, as well as the documentation and technical aspects for installation and realization of large-scale commissions. The ideal candidate would have specific familiarity with software, web-based, or performance art and be willing to travel extensively. They should also be abreast of current technology and have fundamental IT skills, including experience with digital asset management systems and server-based storage systems. This reports to the Senior Conservator, Abu Dhabi Project (based in NY).
SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced degree from a recognized conservation program.

• Minimum five years of museum experience (or equivalent) in the conservation of time-based media works, including oversight and installation.

• Understanding of the field of time-based and digital art and a willingness to explore and research a wide range of materials and technology.

• Knowledge and demonstrated use of basic programming languages.

• Media literacy, including experience in preservation and migration strategies for obsolete technologies.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues and communicate with professionals outside of the area of expertise.

• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, given the need to convey often highly technical and complex preservation issues to a number of stakeholders.

• Knowledge and interest in contemporary art.

• Must be flexible and creative, with proven problem-solving ability.

• Must be able to work independently and have good time management.

• Ability to travel, possibly for extended periods, for museum business, as needed.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform technical examination and documentation of time-based media works, including film, video, software-based, electronic, performance, and other formats that may emerge.

• Assess time-based media pre-acquisition condition reports and advise on any preservation concerns, foreseeable obsolescence, and deliverables.

• Research treatment strategies for media artworks as needed for implementation by contractors.

• Work alongside colleagues with living artists, artists’ estates, and studios to determine appropriate parameters for the exhibition and preservation of time-based media art.

• Organize and create documentation within the collection database. Advise on best practices for digital storage, preservation, ongoing management, and accessibility of time-based media acquisitions and commissions.

• Assist time-based media conservators as necessary for loans of media works in the Solomon R. Guggenheim collection.

• Work with colleagues to develop plans for the preparation and display of time-based media works at Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, including commissions.

• This may require overseeing and documenting installations in Abu Dhabi.

WORK DEMANDS and ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to travel globally as required to perform the above duties. Possibly for extended periods.

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on occasion.

• Ability to lift 25 lbs

EDUCATION:

• Graduate-level degree in Conservation, with a specialization or minimum 5 years experience working with Time-based Media

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
REPORTS TO: Senior Conservator, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project - NY
LOCATION: Midtown West, Manhattan
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 Hours per Week, Schedule TBD
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Exempt, This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 2110 UAW.
SALARY: $90,000 - $95,000Annually
The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution. We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience. The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.