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, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
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:
About The Position
Under the supervision of the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation, the Fellow participates in a wide range of activities in the Department of Conservation and Science and gains experience in all aspects of caring for works on paper while working in a large museum setting. The Fellowship provides excellent hands-on experience with the examination, documentation, and analysis of a wide range of historic and contemporary works on paper as they are prepared for loans, exhibitions, and storage.
Responsibilities
Under the mentorship of the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and in collaboration with paper conservators, collects data and images from a selection of Dutch prints from the Hack collection. Data will include physical characteristics (paper color, texture, thickness, etc.), a description of the watermarks and, if applicable, the countermark. Imaging will include Beta radiography, reflected and transmitted light as well as transmitted infrared images.
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
About The Organization
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected].
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job- related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
- Hiring Range
- Benefits
- PTO Overview
- Job Classification: Full-Time Salaried Staff
- Grade Level: 6
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
- Scientific Research
About The Position
Under the supervision of the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation, the Fellow participates in a wide range of activities in the Department of Conservation and Science and gains experience in all aspects of caring for works on paper while working in a large museum setting. The Fellowship provides excellent hands-on experience with the examination, documentation, and analysis of a wide range of historic and contemporary works on paper as they are prepared for loans, exhibitions, and storage.
Responsibilities
Under the mentorship of the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and in collaboration with paper conservators, collects data and images from a selection of Dutch prints from the Hack collection. Data will include physical characteristics (paper color, texture, thickness, etc.), a description of the watermarks and, if applicable, the countermark. Imaging will include Beta radiography, reflected and transmitted light as well as transmitted infrared images.
- Creates written and visual documentation for each work in the select group.
- Identifies watermarks and mold mates, using both existing references and by implementing digital tools for computer matching.
- Keeps detailed records of examination, documentation and findings; maintains the project database.
- Attends regular meetings with their supervisors and team members.
- Participates in the department’s activities.
- Completes incoming and outgoing examinations and condition reports on objects entering the museum for loan, exhibition or acquisition consideration.
- Identifies and confirms printing processes for inclusion in the museums database and publications.
- Measures and records light level conditions in the Prints and Drawing galleries.
- Works with Conservation Scientists on scientific analysis of collection items as needed.
- 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.
- Maintains confidentiality.
- Bachelor’s degree required in conservation, technical art history, art history or closely related field. Master’s degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum 1-5 years of practical experience in conservation relative to educational background.
- Experience in handling and examining works of art required.
- Familiarity with imaging techniques and Photoshop required.
- Familiarity with sixteenth and seventeenth-century handmade papers and printing processes desired.
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
About The Organization
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected].
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job- related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.