Position Title: Beal Family Postgraduate Fellow in Conservation Science
Req ID: 67639BR
School or Unit: Harvard Art Museums
Description: Job Summary
The Harvard Art Museums' Fellowship program is designed to broaden the experience of those embarking on professional museum careers in art history and related fields, conservation and conservation science, and/or education. Harvard Art Museums' global collections encompass cultures across Asia, North Africa, Europe, and the Americas from ancient times to today. The Fellow is an integral member of the Museums staff whose work serves the Museums' purpose, vision, and values.
Position Description
The Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies is seeking a postdoctoral scientist for a 3-year research fellowship in the field of conservation science.
Under the supervision of the Senior Conservation Scientist, this person works with scientists, conservators, conservation fellows, curators, and academic art historians on research projects. This position utilizes a broad range of art and artists' materials collections in the Harvard Art Museums and other institutions, including traditional and modern/contemporary artists' materials and techniques.
Duties include providing analytical services to the Harvard Art Museums' conservators and curators in the study and preservation of the collection and document findings.
Fellowship will involve the organization of workshops and symposia to engage others in examining issues related to conservation science research. Position further includes assisting with instrument maintenance and repair as necessary, and training others to use the instruments.
Foregrounding the museum's teaching and research mission, the Fellow also helps provide content expertise and support for teaching in the galleries and the Museums' Art Study Center, including staffing Art Study Center sessions approximately three hours a week, participating in a series of art handling workshops, and contributing to a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.
The Fellow will be an active member of the Fellows' cohort and will participate in regular cohort meetings, training, activities, and in the annual Fellows symposium at the end of the spring semester.
The Fellow may supervise students and temporary employees.
PLEASE NOTE: This position works on-site at both the museum in Cambridge, MA and a second facility in Somerville, MA.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Ph.D. in chemistry/physical science combined with experimental research experience and demonstrated experience of an ability to conduct academic research required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
The successful candidate will have a high level of scientific achievement and a serious interest in a career as a scientist in the museum field.
Experience with microscopy of diverse types, image analysis, and advanced computational skills desirable.
Strong oral and written communication skills required.
Demonstrated interest in the visual arts, record of publication and/or presentation, and knowledge of one or more foreign languages preferred.
Museum or related experience helpful; interest in expanding canonical narratives strongly encouraged
Commitment to fostering the appreciation of works of art in a museum context.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collegially.
We believe in the potential of candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. If you meet the basic qualifications for this role and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply-even if you don't meet every single additional qualification. Whether you're starting your career, re-entering the workforce, transitioning fields, or seeking the next step, we welcome your unique perspective. We're committed to considering a wide range of applicants. Please use your cover letter to share your passion for art museums and how you envision contributing to this role. We'd love to hear from you!
Additional Information
Application Procedures:
Please apply online with a letter of interest and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting January 27, 2025, and continuing until the position is filled.
Upon review of initial applications, successful candidates will be notified to submit two letters of recommendation. Other supporting documents may include transcripts and writing samples.
Additional Information:
The term of this fellowship is September 2, 2025 - August 25, 2028. In addition to $60,000 annual compensation, the Fellow is eligible to participate in Harvard's fringe benefits program.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
About Us
The Harvard Art Museums
Ever since their founding, the Harvard Art Museums-the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum-have been dedicated to advancing and supporting learning at Harvard University, in the local community, and around the world. Displayed in galleries that mix not only media but schools of art, the collection at Harvard is celebrated and interrogated within a larger story of artistic expression and historical and contemporary issues. The diverse collection is among the largest in the United States. Through research, teaching, professional training, and public education, the museums strive to advance the understanding and appreciation of art.
The museums value staff diversity and are committed to building a culturally diverse community. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 388090 Museum Fellow
Job Function: Museum
Work Format: On-Site
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 090
Department: Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies
Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
