Museum Scientist Assistant

This limited appointment position is not an ongoing position and is established and funded for a period of up to 12 months.

The UCLA Library Preservation & Conservation department supports the Library's mission to develop, organize, and preserve collections for optimal use, provides stewardship for the intellectual record in the formats required by contemporary scholars, and ensures the safekeeping of the artifacts that are entrusted to the UCLA Library. The UCLA Library Preservation & Conservation department is responsible for coordinating and managing the preservation operations of the Library, including environmental monitoring, reformatting, disaster planning, library binding, and physical preparation.

The department includes a conservation lab that provides conservation services for collections in all units of the UCLA Library, providing expert care for paper-based materials. The department is guided by current best practices of the conservation field and the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation of Artistic and Historic Works, and the ethics of other cultural heritage organizations like AMIA, AAM, and SAA.

Preservation staff work in close coordination with library units to plan and initiate new activities and services in response to library preservation needs and emerging technology, research, and developments in the preservation and conservation community.

Reporting to the Head, Preservation & Conservation, the Kress Assistant Conservator (KAC) independently completes challenging entry level and intermediate technical treatments or preservation activities on selected UCLA Library Special Collection materials, including: examination, photographic and written documentation, sample taking and analysis, conservation treatment, proposal decision-making, the selection of appropriate housings, and object handling/exhibit recommendations. The KAC interacts with Preservation & Conservation department staff, curators and librarians on appropriate handling and treatment and prioritization.

The KAC participates in departmental outreach activities, weekly meetings, and emergency preparedness/response activities. The KAC pursues continued conservation and material culture research which contributes to the UCLA Library and the conservation profession.

• UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

• Demonstrated experience & skill in entry-level & intermediate-level examination, documentation & treatment & rehousing of library materials. (Required) And
• Documented experience or interest in working with special collections library materials. (Required)
• Demonstrated successful collaboration on the completion of basic and advanced conservation treatments. (Required)
• Demonstrated experience researching special collection items and using research and context to inform conservation treatment decisions. (Required)
• Experience w/treatment techniques on paper based materials. (Required)
• Experience with library materials. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated experience training or teaching in the conservation area. (Preferred)
• High level of manual dexterity and visual acuity to safely and sensitively complete challenging treatments on valuable library materials. Working knowledge of and ability to use specialized equipment and hand tools crucial for the conservation and preservation of either paper-based materials. (Required)
• Ability to prioritize routine work assignments, to weigh competing options, and to make decisions. Ability to work in a high volume setting. (Required)
• Strong knowledge of the history, manufacture, and chemistry of organic and inorganic based library materials, with a demonstrated understanding of common agents of deterioration. (Required)
• Ability to research special collection items and use research and context to inform conservation treatment decisions. (Required)
• Understanding of decision-making and selection criteria to sort routine incoming materials into the appropriate workflows for Emergency Response. (Required)
• Ability to work independently while following established…