Assistant Conservator of Paintings

Founded in 1832, the Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest college art museum in America. Today, it serves Yale University, the wider community, and the public as a center of teaching, learning, and scholarship. The Conservation Department is an integral part of this mission, with specialists actively engaged in the treatment of paintings, objects, furniture, and works on paper, along with related research, teaching, and mentorship.

Reporting to the Chief Conservator, the Assistant Conservator of Paintings will participate as part of a cross-departmental team in the move of Yale Art Gallery's collection from their current location at the Yale Library Storage Facility in Hamden to a purpose-built facility at Yale's West Campus. Primary responsibilities include completing a condition survey of paintings and frames and performing stabilization treatments necessary to insure their safe travel. The collection move is deadline-driven and a priority for the Yale University Art Gallery. The Gallery seeks motivated applicants from all backgrounds and values diversity with regard to culture, race, ethnicity, gender identity, and ability. The position is an 18-months from date of hire, and the salary will range from $60,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications. 

Essential Duties

· Designs and manages conservation laboratory; establishes and schedules priorities for the treatment and preservation of paintings and frames for the move project; plans, researches, and implements conservation treatments on paintings and frames for the move projects.

· Examines the material composition and deterioration of paintings in order to develop and execute appropriate conservation treatments.

· Identifies and diagnoses problems, devises and approves conservation methods which ensure the safety of the paintings. Assesses and devises alternative and/or modify conservation methods to achieve desired results.

· Creates accurate written and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments, and other activities.

· Performs research necessary to preserve the authenticity of collections and ensure deterioration of collections is monitored and controlled.

· Reports research and significant treatments through publications, conference papers and posters.

· Assesses conservation needs of paintings, proper housing, physical storage, and display areas for collections and ascertains correct environmental control for preservation.

· Assists in determining conservation priorities for collections and/or individual projects and planning strategies for collection care.

· Oversees safe use and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations and policies.

· Assists in the supervision of conservation interns and fellows involved in the move project.

· May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master's Degree in Art, Museum and/or Library/Archives Conservation, Materials Science, or related field and two years of conservation experience in paintings and frames.

Required Skills:

· This role requires the post holder to have specialist knowledge and experience in safely handling, assessing, documenting, and packing paintings to prepare them for transport and in conservation treatments of the highest order on museum quality paintings. The candidate should be self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed. Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Demonstrated accuracy and strong attention to detail and excellent observational skills and critical thinking. Superior organizational skills and time management. Ability to work well under pressure.

· Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines among conflicting priorities. Positive attitude that supports department's goals.

· Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and to be a team player in active project, office and laboratory environments. Superior technical skills.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and Adobe Photoshop. Ability and willingness to become proficient with The Museum System (TMS) database and TMS Conservation Studio. The deadline for job's application is until December 15, 2023. To apply, please go to Yale University STARS your.yale.edu/yale-link/stars-external-applicants job Requisition 84955BR