Assistant Conservation Scientist

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

Position Summary The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Assistant/Associate/ Conservation Scientist to join a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team committed to the care, interpretation, and study of the museum’s diverse collection. This is a full-time position housed within the Conservation Department, where science is integrated into broader museum practice with a strong emphasis on curiosity, transparency, and shared responsibility.

The Assistant/Associate/ Conservation Scientist supports ongoing conservation treatments, acquisitions, and research projects through advanced scientific analysis, interpretive insight, and clear communication. Working alongside conservators, curators, collections staff, and educators, the scientist will contribute meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of works of art across cultures, time periods, and media.

• Is scientifically grounded
  , with expertise in conservation science, chemistry, or a related field, and values interpretation and context in a museum setting.
• Works collaboratively
  . This is a team-driven lab rooted in generosity of knowledge, time, and credit.
• Thrives in complexity
  , comfortably navigating both the analytical and passionate nuances of museum work.
• Sees conservation as a shared responsibility
  , working effectively across disciplines and job titles.
• Leads with humility and curiosity
  , fostering a culture of learning and mutual respect.
• Is values-driven
  , with integrity, empathy, and a respect for diverse lived experiences at the core of their approach.
• Understands that how we work matters
  —and that excellence should never come at the cost of well-being, equity, or kindness.

• Design and conduct non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis using a range of techniques (e.g., SEM-EDS, XRF, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, GC-MS, PLM).
• Collaborate with curators and conservators to determine analytical priorities, develop methodologies, and interpret results within historical and material contexts.
• Manage daily lab operations including workflow, documentation, equipment care, and inventory within budget.
• Generate technical reports, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and present research at professional conferences.
• Maintain digital records and ensure proper archiving of data, images, samples, and reports.
• Supervise and mentor interns, fellows, or visiting researchers as applicable.
• Support educational and outreach efforts, including talks, tours, and public programming.
• Advise on preventive conservation strategies, environmental monitoring, and materials evaluation.
• Participate in departmental planning, professional development, and institutional initiatives including emergency preparedness and strategic projects.

• Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum five years of applied scientific research experience in cultural heritage, preferably in a museum setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of materials used in works of art, degradation mechanisms, and conservation techniques.
• Advanced instrumental skills in analytical methods commonly used in heritage science.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications or public scholarship in conservation science or related disciplines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and share knowledge with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational, computational, and data management skills.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; manual dexterity required for handling delicate objects and instruments.
• Activities include standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, and climbing.
• Use of PPE as needed for chemical and analytical processes.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance:
  Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
• Dental Insurance:
  Employee and dependent…