Assistant Conservator, Paper Conservation

About the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

About the Department

Responsible for the treatment, research, and long-term preservation of over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute's collections, the Department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museum's mission to safeguard the world's artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single paintings conservator, the department has grown to a staff of over 30 specializing in nine disciplines organized in five divisions:
Objects and Textiles, Paintings and Frames, Paper and Books, Photography and Media, and Scientific Research. Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination, are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research, and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals.

Position Summary

The Assistant Conservator plays an important role in the preservation, research, and stewardship of works of art on paper and other paper-based collections. Working collaboratively with conservators, scientists, curators, registrars, and collections staff, this position conducts examinations, research, and conservation treatments and supports long-term care of the museum's permanent collection, exhibitions, acquisitions, and loans.

The Assistant Conservator contributes to innovative conservation practices through technical study, scholarly research, and professional engagement. This role also supports the museum's commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where varied perspectives and experiences strengthen our work and mission.

Responsibilities

Treatment and Collection Care

* Prepare treatment proposals in consultation with the William

E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and specialty conservators.

* Examine, assess, and document the condition of works of art on paper and related collection materials.

* Perform conservation treatments appropriate to the needs of the collection.

* Utilize technical imaging, material analysis, and other examination methods to inform treatment decisions.

* Support preventive conservation initiatives in galleries, storage, and transit.

* Respond to collection emergencies as requested.

Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions

* Conduct examinations and prepare condition documentation for works entering or leaving the museum.

* Review and assess works under consideration for acquisition and prepare related conservation documentation.

* Support exhibitions, including condition reporting, treatment recommendations, and compliance with lender requirements.

* Serve as an artwork courier, in person or virtually, when needed.

Conservation Records

* Maintain accurate conservation documentation in departmental, collection management, and digital asset systems in accordance with museum and archival standards.

Materials and Supplies

* Contribute to laboratory maintenance and safety practices.

* Research, recommend, and order conservation materials and supplies with the Administrative Coordinator for Conservation and Science.

Collaboration

* Communicate with colleagues regarding project priorities, goals, and timelines.

* Collaborate across departments to support collection care, exhibitions, research initiatives, and institutional priorities.

* Foster an inclusive and respectful work environment that values diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions.

Research

* Conduct research on artists' techniques, materials, and conservation methodologies.

* Contribute to the advancement of the conservation field through scholarly research and investigation.

* Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices and explore their application to the museum's collections.

* Perform basic…