Assistant Conservator of Textiles and Costumes

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks a Conservator of Textiles and Costume to join the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. This full‑time position is in a collaborative, cross‑disciplinary environment where conservation is integrated into broader museum practices, with an emphasis on preserving and expanding understanding of 5,000 years of global visual art. The Textile and Costume Conservation lab is one of the newest additions to the MFAH’s conservation department, and the collection is rapidly expanding across time periods and global communities.

The MFAH holds an extensive and increasingly diverse collection, with ongoing growth in modern and contemporary art. The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in painting materials and techniques across various periods, with significant experience in modern and contemporary works strongly preferred. At MFAH, conservation is regarded as both a technical discipline and a form of cultural stewardship. We are dedicated to ethical practices, intellectual rigor, transparency in decision-making, and a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect and professional responsibility.

Position Overview

The Conservator will:

• Examine, document, and treat textiles and costume in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Develop and execute treatment plans for works ranging from historical to contemporary materials.
• Produce thorough documentation, including technical analysis, material descriptions, and exhibition and handling recommendations.
• Provide condition assessments for acquisitions and loans, advising on long‑term preservation strategies.
• Contribute to preventive conservation planning, storage design, and exhibition preparation.
• Collaborate closely with Conservation Science to pursue analytical research that clarifies fabrication methods, material behavior, and deterioration mechanisms.
• Participate in collection‑based research and contribute to the field through publications, lectures, and conference presentations.
• Mentor interns, fellows, and emerging professionals, supporting a culture of shared knowledge and professional growth.
• Engage in public‑facing initiatives, including gallery talks and educational programming, to advance understanding of conservation practice.
• Contribute to departmental planning, emergency preparedness, and strategic institutional initiatives.

What We Value

We seek a conservator who:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of textiles and fabrication and construction techniques across historical and contemporary practice.
• Brings comprehensive treatment experience and sound judgment in complex decision‑making.
• Works effectively within interdisciplinary museum teams while maintaining independence and accountability in their work.
• Recognizes the ethical and cultural dimensions of conservation, including the evolving role of museums in serving diverse publics.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully, contributing to a professional environment grounded in trust, transparency, and shared responsibility.
• Is committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and engagement with current discourse in the field.
• Bring collegiality and thoughtfulness to work where trust and support are at the core of personal growth and institutional advancement.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Conservation from a recognized program, or equivalent education and professional training.
• Minimum two (assistant), five (associate), ten years (full) of post‑graduate experience in textile conservation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of museum standards, collections care protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrated record of professional achievement, including significant treatment projects and scholarly contributions.
• Experience with both flat textile and costume conservation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills; proficiency with museum databases, imaging systems, and…