David Booth Fellowship in Objects 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 objects conservation, starting September 2026. The fellowship provides an opportunity to conserve and research modern and contemporary art in a museum setting. As a member of the MoMA objects and sculpture conservation team, the fellow will gain experience in all facets of the conservation of three-dimensional objects, including acquisition, exhibition, treatment, collection care, transport, and research. Given the interdisciplinary nature of modern and contemporary art conservation, the fellow will be encouraged to work closely with MoMA’s other conservation sections (science, paintings, media, paper, and photography conservation), along with curators, registrars, art handlers, and artists. The goals of the fellowship may include gaining experience in exhibition planning and couriering; developing and refining documentation or treatment techniques; researching artists’ materials and approaches; and disseminating research via publications and professional presentations. Besides developing and refining advanced techniques in objects conservation, the fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with MoMA’s conservation scientists to develop 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:

• Under the supervision of the permanent conservation staff, the fellow will examine works of art proposed for exhibition or loan to determine condition; design and execute conservation treatments, as necessary.
• 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.
• 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 attendance at meetings and readings of conservation, technical, and art historical literature.
• Adheres to the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Assists in supervising seasonal interns as requested.
  Perform 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); candidates with equivalent training will be considered. No more than three years past graduation.
• Experience documenting and treating three-dimensional objects; experience with modern and contemporary works is desirable.
• An understanding of the applications of analytical instruments, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Some experience with microscopy, photomicrography, and x-radiography is desirable.
• 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: Tina March, Objects Conservator

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 in the second half of January 2026.

The deadline for applications is January 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST. Applications without a letter of interest will not be considered.

The Museum of Modern Art’s Conservation Fellowship Initiative is made possible through the David Booth Conservation Center Endowment Fund.

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