"Beal Family Postgraduate Fellow in Conservation Science"

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Art Museums?

The Harvard Art Museums is part of Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM). At the intersection of public access and higher education, the Harvard Art Museums invite everyone to embrace inquiry, dialogue, and new perspectives on art and ideas. The museums’ global collections encompass a broad range of time periods and geographies.

Job Description

At the intersection of public access and higher education, the Harvard Art Museums invite everyone to embrace inquiry, dialogue, and new perspectives on art and ideas. The museums’ global collections encompass a broad range of time periods and geographies.

The Fellowship program at the Harvard Art Museums is designed to broaden the experience of those embarking on professional museum careers in art history and related fields, conservation and conservation science, and/or museum education. Fellows are integral members of the museums’ staff, take part in departmental and museum-wide meetings, and collaborate with colleagues across the museums. Fellows are active members of the program cohort, participating in regular Fellows meetings, workshops, specialized training, and organized activities throughout the year, including presenting their work at an annual Fellows Symposium.

The Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies is seeking a postdoctoral scientist for a 3-year research fellowship in the field of conservation science.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the Senior Conservation Scientist and Director, Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies, the Beal Fellow works with scientists, conservators, conservation fellows, curators, and academic art historians on research projects. This position utilizes a broad range of art and artists’ materials collections in the Harvard Art Museums and other institutions. Emphasis will be shared between traditional and modern/contemporary artists’ materials and techniques.
• The Fellow provides analytical services to the Harvard Art Museums’ conservators and curators in the study and preservation of the collection and documenting findings.
• The laboratories are equipped with polarized light and reflectance/UV fluorescence microscopes, GC-MS, FT-IR, Raman and XRF spectrometers. The Fellow assists with instrument maintenance and repair as necessary, and in training others to use the instruments. Beyond the resources of the Center, Harvard University and other local universities and museums offer access to specialized analytical equipment and a large scientific community.
• The Fellowship will involve the organization of workshops and symposia to engage others in examining issues related to conservation science research.
• The Beal Fellow is an integral member of the conservation staff, carrying out a broad range of activities, including presentations of research and other projects; lab maintenance; and leading or participating in lab tours.
• Foregrounding the museums’ teaching and research mission, the Fellow also participates in interdisciplinary teaching and contributes to a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.
• The Fellow may supervise students and temporary employees.
• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the position.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work safely in lab and workshop environments, including the use of chemicals and tools, while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Excellent hand skills and manual dexterity for precise treatment and handling tasks
• Ability to perform fine but physically demanding work, standing or sitting for extended periods while using manual and power tools
• Ability to lift, move, and position objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Ability to color match

We believe in the potential of candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for this role and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every single Additional Qualification. Whether you're starting your career, re-entering the workforce, transitioning fields, or seeking the next step, we welcome your unique perspective. Please use your cover letter to share your passion for art museums and how you envision contributing to this role.

Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

Ph.D. in chemistry/physical science combined with experimental research experience and demonstrated experience of an ability to conduct academic research required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• A high level of scientific achievement and a serious interest in a career as a scientist in the museum field
• Experience with microscopy of diverse types, image analysis, and advanced computational skills desirable
• Strong oral and written communication skills required
• Demonstrated interest in the visual arts
• Record of publication and/or presentation, and knowledge of one or more foreign languages preferred
• Museum or related experience preferred
• Commitment to fostering engagement with original works of art in a university museum context, for all visitors
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team

Additional Information

• Term: This fellowship is a term position starting September 8, 2026 and ending on September 2, 2029.
• Compensation: $60,000 annualized compensation.
• Benefits: The Fellow has access to travel funding and is eligible to participate in Harvard’s fringe benefits program.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week.
• Work Location: This position works on site at both the museum in Cambridge, MA, and periodically at a second facility in Somerville, MA.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, and Criminal.
• Orientation and Review Period: This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.

Application Procedures:

Please apply online with a cover letter and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting January 26, 2026, and continuing until the position is filled.

Upon review of applications, select candidates will be notified to submit two letters of recommendation. Supporting documents may include writing samples and other materials.