Objects Conservator – Princeton University Art Museum

The Princeton University Art Museum seeks an experienced, engaged, and innovative Objects Conservator who thrives in a collaborative and goal-oriented environment. Reporting to the Chief Conservator, and working in close coordination with the Director and the Associate Director, the Objects Conservator will help shape our program to conserve three-dimensional objects, in alignment with the Museum’s priorities.

Three-dimensional objects have been a part of our collection since our founding in the 18th century. The collections include stone, terracotta, wood, polychrome surfaces, ivory; modern materials; and materials originating from the ancient Mediterranean, Egypt and Africa, Asia, Americas, and Europe. Greek vase-painting and Roman sculpture are strengths as well as objects from the Americas.

The Objects Conservator will join the Museum at a dynamic time as we begin construction of a new building designed by Sir David Adjaye. Our conservators, in collaboration with other Museum departments, will play a key role in shaping the presentation and interpretation of the Museum’s collections in spaces that afford encounters with cultures past and present from around the world and seek to foster stronger citizenship among University, local, and global communities. Appointment level will be based upon the successful candidate’s experience. Art Museum conservator salary ranges are: assistant conservator $70,000-$90,000; associate conservator $80,000-$100,000; full conservator $100,000-$130,000.

Priorities for the Objects Conservator will be to prepare works for the future galleries and assisting with the safe return of the collections to the new building. In addition to the art displays, the Objects Conservator will assist with the final steps to open a new conservation studio, conduct research, collaborate with registrars and curators in the care of objects, cultivate supporters, and initiate scholarly and public programs. Working within a team environment, the Objects Conservator will promote engagement and collaboration within the Museum and beyond, fully embracing the possibilities of a campus-based museum.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years’ conservation experience (beyond the internship level); experience in an academic setting is a plus. The position requires a track record in working on exhibitions; a record of scholarly research; knowledge of current preventive conservation standards, proven administrative abilities; and a strong orientation toward collaborative work in a fast-paced environment. Participation in teaching will be expected, along with mentoring students and contributing to broader efforts to foster curricular and scholarly engagement with the collections among faculty, students, and other communities.

To learn more, please visit http://artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Interested candidates should apply at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/21781.  

This position is subject to the University’s background check policy.

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