Project Conservator

## Project Conservator Apply remote type:
Hybrid locations:
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
JR34479
** Department
* * Museum Conservation
** About the Department
** The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John

D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind’s progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world’s leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC's collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s.

A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC's centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is 'The University of Chicago.' The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.
** Job Summary
** Reporting to the Head Conservator and the Museum Director/Chief Curator, the Project Conservator will play a central role in a major grant-funded initiative to conserve and prepare the glazed brick façade from the Sin Temple at Khorsabad, Iraq (8th century BCE), one of the most significant architectural elements from the palace of Sargon II. The project focuses on the conservation, documentation, technical study, and long-term preservation of 282 glazed bricks excavated by the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) in 1933.
The Project Conservator will carry out conservation treatments, technical examination, and research while collaborating closely with curatorial, collections, registration, exhibitions, and academic staff. The position also supports ISAC's broader mission through scholarship, public engagement, grant activities, and the development of best practices in archaeological conservation.
This is a one-year, grant-funded position with the possibility of extension based on project needs and available funding.
The anticipated start date is on or around September 15, 2026.
** Responsibilities
* ** Performs conservation treatment and stabilization of the glazed brick façade from the Sin Temple.
* Prepares and maintains comprehensive conservation documentation, including written treatment reports, condition reports, and photographic documentation.
* Maintains the Conservation Laboratory, including the purchase of new equipment and supplies.
* Operates microscopes and analytical instrumentation used in conservation research.
* Performs necessary research activities to maintain the standards of the institution regarding conservation procedures.
* Demonstrates knowledge of relevant literature and may attend conservation conferences, workshops, symposia, etc.
* Ensures proper outreach of the conservation activities by providing public lectures and presentations for museum education, development, and membership support.
* Ensures compliance with the ethical guidelines, standards, and professional practices of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and the International Institute for Conservation of Historic…