Assistant​/Associate Conservator of Works of Art Paper

Assistant/Associate Conservator of Works of Art on Paper

Job Category
:
Conservation

Requisition Number
: ASSIS
001657

• Posted :
  February 9, 2026
• Full-Time

Audrey Jones Beck, The Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, USA

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Assistant / Associate Conservator of Works of Art on Paper (DOE) to join our Department of Conservation. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a vibrant team dedicated to the preservation, study, and care of the museum’s paper‑based collections, encompassing European, North American, South American, Islamic, Indian, and South Asian works on paper and parchment.

The Assistant / Associate Paper Conservator will be part of a 21‑member full‑time staff, including conservators, conservation scientists, imaging specialists, technicians, framers, administrative support, interns, fellows, and volunteers who contribute to the department’s mission of care, scholarship, and teaching.

The MFAH Conservation Department is housed within the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Center for Conservation, a 34,000‑square‑foot facility completed in 2018. The Center is home to laboratories for Paper, Paintings, Photography, Sculpture and Objects, Arts and Furniture, Historic Frames, and Conservation Science, as well as imaging and conservation preparatory studios – providing state‑of‑the‑art resources for collaborative, cross‑disciplinary work.

We’re seeking someone who:

• Is scientifically grounded and artistically attuned. You bring a commensurate level of technical depth in paper conservation and a curiosity about materials, processes, and cultural context.
• Works collaboratively. This is a team‑driven lab rooted in the generosity of knowledge, time, and credit.
• Thrives in complexity. You are comfortable balancing analytical precision with interpretive insight across diverse collections and projects.
• Sees conservation as a shared responsibility. You work seamlessly across departments – with curators, preparators, registrars, and scientists – to care for the museum’s art.
• Leads with humility and curiosity. You value learning, mentorship, and inclusive dialogue as part of your daily practice.
• Is values‑driven
  . Integrity, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives guide your decision‑making.
• Understands that how we work matters. Pursues excellence while supporting well‑being in a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace.

All activities are to be carried out in consultation with and under the supervision of the Head of the Paper Lab. The Assistant / Associate Conservator will:

• Examine works of art on paper and related collections (e.g., manuscripts, Islamic and Indian paintings and Asian scrolls), assess condition, and prepare examination reports.
• Recommend and perform conservation treatments in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Discuss and coordinate treatment plans and schedules with curatorial colleagues; engage in dialogue with curatorial staff regarding treatment decisions, as well as the historical and aesthetic context of the collection.
• Participate in preservation activities, including exhibition preparation, installation, environmental monitoring, and emergency response as needed.
• Advise on loan requests and returns, ensuring works of art can be safely transported and displayed.
• Contribute to departmental and museum‑wide research, scholarship, and outreach, including public engagement and educational initiatives.
• Enter all findings and documentation in the museum database, ensuring photographic documentation is properly labeled and stored.
• Participate in professional development, conferences, and workshops to advance knowledge in the field of paper conservation.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance and safety, and coordinate supply orders in consultation with the Administrative Coordinator.

• Bachelor’s degree and completion of a graduate‑level program in conservation with specialization in paper conservation, or equivalent education and training.
• Two to five or more years post‑graduate experience in the conservation of paper‑based…