Assistant/Associate Textile Conservator

Position Focus:

The Gallery, with its rich collection of over 5,300 textiles, is seeking applicants for a full-time, 2 year durational position of Assistant or Associate reporting to the Susan Morse Hilles Chief Conservator. The Assistant/Associate Conservator of Textiles will condition assess and treat Indonesian textiles in preparation for a comprehensive exhibition planned to open in September of 2025 at the Yale University Art Gallery. Primary responsibilities of this position include condition assessment of objects selected for exhibition; planning, documenting, and performing complex item-level conservation treatments on textiles and garments; completing materials analysis as necessary, including the identification of fibers and colorants, which may be included in the online exhibition catalogue; and assisting Collections and Exhibition teams in safe handling, mounting, installation and de-installation of textiles. Though the focus of this position will be on Indo-Pacific objects, the Assistant or Associate Conservator will also consult on and provide conservation treatment of textiles and garments from other curatorial areas including Ancient, Asian, European, and the Americas, as time permits. The conservator will also be able to explore the rich and important textile collections housed across the Yale University Museums. The incumbent will benefit from working in an active conservation department in dialogue with curators, conservation scientists from Yale’s Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, art handlers, exhibitions staff, registrars, educators, students, and the large conservation community at Yale.

Essential Duties

Plans, researches and implements conservation treatments for cultural property in museum, library, archives, and study collections. Examines the material composition and deterioration of objects in order to develop and execute appropriate conservation treatments. Identifies and diagnoses problems, devises conservation methods which ensure the safety of the objects. Assesses and devises alternative and/or modifies conservation methods to achieve desired results. Creates accurate written and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments and other activities. Reports research and significant treatments through publications conference papers and posters. Recommends proper housing, storing of objects and the proper climate conditions for physical storage. Contributes in the care and physical well-being of collections; assists in 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 teaching courses to undergraduate and graduate students. Assists in the supervision of conservation interns and fellows. Supervises a small staff of non-exempt employees and/or student assistants. 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 four years of conservation experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed. Excellent interpersonal skills.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

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.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Proven ability to  juggle multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines among conflicting priorities. Positive attitude that supports the department's goals.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

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

Required Skill/Ability 5:

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.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Experience working in a museum environment and knowledge of museum conservation practice. Two years of experience at the assistant level or five years of experience at the associate level Knowledge of preventive conservation methods and practices and familiarity with analytical equipment.

How to apply

For further details and to apply for the role please click here >>

Closing Date & Time: 10 Jule 2024, 00:00