Assistant Conservator Paper

About the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.
About the Department

Responsible for the treatment, research, and long-term preservation of over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute's collections, the Department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museum's mission to safeguard the world's artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single paintings conservator, the department has grown to a staff of over 30 specializing in nine disciplines organized in five divisions:
Objects and Textiles, Paintings and Frames, Paper and Books, Photography and Media, and Scientific Research. Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination, are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research, and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals.

Position Summary

The Assistant Conservator , with varying degrees of supervision, carries out examination, research and treatment of objects in the permanent collection, providing ongoing care to works of art on paper and other paper-based museum collections. Conducts in-depth studies and publishes on artists' technique and on methods and materials used in the making or caring of works of art. Assists with preparation, installation, and documentation of exhibitions and loans, and serves as a courier with artwork as needed.

Assists with collection care and preventive conservation processes. Is committed to and actively engaged in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

Responsibilities

Treatment and Collection Care

• Prepares treatment proposals in consultation with the William
  
  E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and specialty conservators.
• Executes conservation treatments with supervision.
• Determines and documents an object's condition, including technical imaging and material analysis when possible.
• Contributes to activities related to preventative care of works of art on paper in the galleries and in storage.
• Responds to emergencies that occur in galleries or storage areas as requested.

Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions

• With varying degrees of supervision, carries out examinations on works of art on paper as they enter and leave the museum for loans, and prepares and shares related documentation.
• With varying levels of supervision is responsible for review of works under consideration for purchase and preparation of relevant documentation.
• As assigned by supervisor, manages the conservation requirements for exhibitions, including condition reporting and minor treatment, and ensuring that environmental requirements of lenders are met.
• Serves as a courier (virtual or in person) for artwork if needed.

Conservation record

• Maintains all conservation documentation pertaining to the collection in the department's files and shares copies in the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards.

Materials and Supplies

• Contributes to lab maintenance and safety, researches and orders supplies in consultation with the Administrative Coordinator for Conservation and Science.

Collaboration

• Maintains clear communication with colleagues about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects.
• Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our organization.

Research

• Conducts research and publishes on technique, conservation and on methods and materials of works of art on paper
• Keeps up to date with the newest technologies and seeks ways of applying them to the conservation…