Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Photography Conservation | Conservation

September 2026 - August 2028

The David Booth Conservation Department at The Museum of Modern Art is pleased to offer a two-year fellowship in the conservation of photographic materials, starting in September 2026. The fellowship provides an opportunity to acquire advanced-level training in photographs preservation, conservation, and restoration in a museum setting. The Photography Conservation fellow works closely with the conservation staff, including the Museum scientists and all curatorial departments: Photography, Drawings and Prints, Architecture and Design, Painting and Sculpture, Media and Performance, and Film, and with the Archives, Library and Research Collections department. In addition to developing and refining advanced techniques in photography conservation, the fellow will have the opportunity to design and carry out research projects to be disseminated or published online, at conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.

The Museum of Modern Art is committed to nurturing the next generation of curators, art historians, conservators, and other arts professionals. This Conservation Fellowship is part of a distinctive museum wide fellowship program that offers opportunities for training and development through immersion in the Museum’s departments, working alongside and mentored by experienced staff members. All fellows also participate in a core methods and practice program with MoMA staff and invited guests which explores object-based research and inquiry; public engagement in a museum context; and arts leadership and the role of cultural institutions.

Responsibilities include:

• Writes condition reports and installation instructions, when needed, for works of art. Recommends and executes treatment of works of art and their optimal storage and exhibition conditions in consultation with conservators, scientists, and curators.
• Keeps full photographic and written documentation of original condition and all stages of treatment of works of art.
• Assists in advising curators, registrars, and exhibitions staff on conservation requirements to ensure protection of works of art during exhibition, packing, and shipping. Assists in advising curators on the condition of works of art as related to exhibition, loans, and acquisition.
• Examines and interprets the physical structure of works of art and liaises with scientists on the interpretation of scientific data.
• Research on conservation treatment techniques, optimal preservation environments, artistic practice, and characterization of photographic materials is integral to the department, and participation in these activities will be fostered. Additional professional development activities are supported and encouraged.
• Investigates, evaluates, and tests new materials used by contemporary artists.
• Researches, develops, and tests materials and techniques for conservation use.
• Keeps abreast of new technical and material developments in the art-historical and conservation fields through participation in professional meetings and through literature reviews of conservation, technical, and art-historical publications.
• Adheres to the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Assists in supervising seasonal interns as requested.
• Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements:

• Recent graduate from a recognized conservation training program or closely related field (bachelor’s required, master’s preferred) with a demonstrated concentration in the conservation of photographic materials; candidates with equivalent training will be considered. No more than three years past graduation.
• Examination and treatment of photographs at an advanced intern level.
• Experience with treatment of modern and contemporary works is desirable.
• Familiarity with digital imaging documentation, including ultra-violet, infrared, and photomicrography, and x-radiography.
• An understanding of the applications of analytical instruments, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, is desirable.
• Proficiency with computer software, including image editing, and Adobe Photoshop preferable.
• Preference will be given to those candidates who can demonstrate teamwork and effective communication skills, the ability to successfully manage time in a multitasking environment, and a systematic and methodological approach to research.

Reports to: The Andrew W. Mellon Conservator of Photographs

Salary: $54,000 (plus benefits and vacation), with $3,500 annually for research and travel.

Application instructions:
Candidates should apply online at MoMA Jobs. In addition to your resume, please submit a detailed letter of interest and include the name of three references; letters from references are not required. Do not include treatment reports in the application. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to supply treatment reports at that time; interviews will be scheduled by the first week of July 2026.

The deadline for applications is June 10, 2026 at 5:00 pm EST. Applications without a letter of interest will not be considered.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement:
Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).

Salary : $3,500 - $54,000