JOB TITLE: Andrew W. Mellon Fellow in Paintings or Objects Conservation

DEPARTMENT: Conservation

REPORTS TO: Director, Conservation

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt, Temporary (1 Year Contract with the possibility to renew for two additional years)

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Partial

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

The Detroit Institute of Arts is seeking applicants for an Andrew W. Mellon Postgraduate Fellowship in Objects Conservation. The fellowship is a full-time position lasting one year, beginning September, 2027, with the possibility of renewal for an additional two years. 

The Fellow will participate in all departmental activities, including object examination and treatment, acquisitions, exhibitions, loan preparation and preventive care of collections. The Fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with the department’s imaging specialist and research scientist, as well as other museum staff, including curators, educators, and collections management. The design and execution of a research project of their choice that is of publishable quality is expected.  

The Detroit Institute of Arts is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes almost 65,000 objects and spans thousands of years.  

Applicants must hold a master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program and should have no more than five years of post-graduate work experience. The fellowship includes a $46,000 annual salary, health and wellness benefits, and $4,500 for research and travel. Applications, including a letter of interest, CV, and three reference letters from conservation professionals familiar with the applicant’s work, must be submitted at through the DIA Career Portal.

All applications must be received by January 4, 2027. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly. Interviews are expected to conclude by March 2027.  

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Director, Conservation, the Andrew W. Mellon Fellow in Paintings or Objects Conversation will participate in all departmental activities, including object examination and treatment, acquisitions, exhibitions, loan preparation and preventive care of collections including the design and execution of a research project of their choice. The Fellow will work with the department’s imaging specialist and research scientist, as well as other museum staff, including curators, educators, and collections technicians, in preservation activities throughout the museum.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in examination, treatment, and research related to the DIA’s comprehensive collection of paintings or objects.
• Participate in planning and installation of gallery projects and special exhibitions.
• Assist with assessments, preparation, treatment, and courier travel related to the museum’s active loan program.
• Assist with monitoring and maintenance of objects in the galleries and in storage.
• Complete a research project that is of publishable quality.
• Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master's degree in art conservation from a recognized conservation training program required. One (1) year of related experience required.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally. 
• Ability to provide information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally through talking or writing.
• Demonstrated research and analysis skills to identify critical information and complete projects and goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work with attention to detail and produce accurate results.
• Comprehensive understanding of museum practices and preservation measures.
• Demonstrated skills to prioritize and complete multiple tasks to meet deadlines and goals.
• Knowledge of artistic materials and techniques. 
• The ability to work safely at heights on ladders and scaffolding.
• Must possess the understanding and sensitivity required to treat and research museum-quality artworks in compliance with the American Institute for Conservation's Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice.
• Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events.
• Must be proficient in the latest version of Microsoft Office 365.
• Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
• Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork.  This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone and email.

Salary : $46,000