Assistant Conservator of Paintings, NEH Fellowship

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is pleased to announce a one-year NEH Fellowship, Assistant Conservator of Paintings position in the Wayne and Nancy Chasen Family Paintings Conservation Studio in Honor of Stephen Bonadies in the Susan and David Goode Center for Advanced Study in Art Conservation. The Goode Center is a vibrant research, treatment, and training center dedicated to advancing the field of conservation, art history, and science through joint study with conservators, curators, scholars, and scientists. Opened in 2010, the Goode Center is one of the largest conservation facilities in the southeast and is outfitted with advanced analytical and examination capabilities including hyperspectral and infrared imaging, scanning and portable x-ray fluorescence, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, microfade testing, and computed x-radiography.

Position Description: This Fellowship is generously funded through VMFA’s Preservation Training Initiative grant from the National Endowment of Humanities Preservation and Access Education and Training program. Working collaboratively with other departments across the museum, the NEH Fellow will have the opportunity to expand their professional skills as a Conservator and will be involved in all operations related to the examination, documentation, treatment, display, technical analysis, and conservation research of paintings in the permanent collection.  The Fellow will employ the highest conservation standards and ethics in order to preserve the integrity as well as the aesthetic and historic significance of each work.  Working in collaboration with other conservation specialists as needed, the Fellow will provide guidance on the maintenance and preventive care of the collection, including environmental control, storage, packing, handling, and requirements for exhibition and loan.

The Fellow will be expected to undertake an in-depth, multifaceted research project that results in either a publication or presentation at a professional conference.  There will also be public engagement and educational responsibilities such as leading laboratory tours, speaking to visiting groups, responding to public inquiries, and presenting conservation projects and activities to museum visitors.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate level degree in art conservation specializing in paintings from a recognized conservation training program or the equivalent combination of experience, training, and education. The successful candidate will also have:

-Knowledge of currently acceptable conservation methods for treatment of a wide variety of paintings.

-Knowledge of art history and historic methods of fabrication of a wide range of American, European, and contemporary paintings.

-Demonstrated ability to perform historic and materials research.

-Demonstrated ability to perform condition assessments, develop conservation treatment proposals, and execute treatments to a high degree of competency and efficiency.

-Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner.

-Demonstrated ability to perform analytical and examination techniques frequently used in conservation and experience in interpreting test results.

-Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in concert with others, and to be professional, diplomatic, and discreet.

-Experience with common computer software programs.

-Knowledge of safe methods for handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards.

-Ability to wear a respirator.

Additional Considerations

-Experience in supervising interns preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check.

The successful candidate must have established paperwork that enables them to work in the U.S.

This position is open to the general public. It is a grant funded for one year and is expected to run from Sept. 2024-Sept. 2025.

The salary is $45,000/year for one year and includes a full benefits package, $4,000 for research related travel, and $1000 for relocation expenses.

Interested candidates need to apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov. Applications will be accepted until 11:55 p.m. (EDT) on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Please submit contact information for three (3) references. Provide full name, phone number, and e-mail address. Reference information may be included with the résumé or cover letter; or it may be attached in a separate document in the “other” field in the portal.

Professional and educational references are preferred. References should be able to attest to your knowledge, skills, and abilities, especially qualifications relevant to this position.

VMFA is an EEO/AA and Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer. Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Contact Information

Name: Kim Frola

Phone: 804-340-1461

Email: kim.frola@vmfa.museum

 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.