The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is pleased to announce a one-year NEH Fellowship, Assistant Conservator of Works on Paper position in the Susan and David Goode Center for Advanced Study in Art Conservation. The Goode Center is a vibrant research 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 paper 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.  The Fellow will work in collaboration with other conservation specialists as needed and 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.  The Fellow will also have 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 works on paper 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 works on paper.
• Knowledge of art history and historic methods of fabrication of a wide range of works on paper from around the world.
• 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

Additional preferences:

• Experience working on photographic materials.
• Experience in supervising interns.