A. W. Mellon Fellowship, Paintings Conservation

JOB TITLE: Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Paintings Conservation

DEPARTMENT: Conservation

REPORTS TO: Paintings Conservator

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt, Temporary (September 1,2024 until August 31, 2025; with the possibility to renew for two additional years)

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Partial Remote

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must submit a letter of interest , CV , and three reference letters from conservation professionals familiar with the applicant's work . All applications must be received by January 5 , 202 4 . Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States . We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Conservator of Paintings, the Andrew W. Mellon Fellow in Paintings will participate in all departmental activities, including object examination and treatment, acquisitions, exhibitions, loan preparation and preventive care of collections. The fellow will also design and execute a research project of their choice and will have the opportunity to collaborate with the department's imaging specialist, research scientist, as well as other museum staff, including curators, collections management techs, and educators.

The purpose of the fellowship is to provide a training opportunity for recent conservation graduates to perform research, further develop their skills in the care and treatment of art works and to be introduced to the varied responsibilities of museum conservators.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Examination, treatment, and research related to the DIA's comprehensive collection of paintings.
• Participation in planning and installation of gallery projects and special exhibitions.
• Assessments, preparation, treatment, and courier travel related to the museum's active loan program.
• Monitoring and maintenance of objects in galleries and storage.
• Completion of a research project that is of publishable quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants must hold a master's degree from a recognized conservation training program and should have no more than five years of post-graduate work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• U nderstanding of the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Understanding of museum practices and preservation measures.
• Knowledge of artistic materials and techniques.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work safely at heights on ladders and scaffolding.
• Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events (If needed).
• Must be proficient in the latest version of Office 365.
• Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
• Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone and email.

This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor's ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.

THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER