"Richard I. Shader Fellow in Paintings Conservation"

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.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• The focus for the Richard I. Shader Paintings Conservation Fellow will be the examination, treatment, and preventive care of works of art from the Harvard Art Museums’ collections as driven by exhibition, loans, and research needs. A collaborative technical research project focusing on a work(s) of art from the Harvard Art Museums’ collections will comprise approximately 15% of the first year of the fellowship.
• Under the supervision of the Head of the Paintings Lab, the Fellow is an integral member of the staff, carrying out a broad range of activities, including treatment; preparation of accompanying written and photographic documentation, estimates, correspondence, and condition reports for exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions; presentation 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

Qualifications

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

Master’s degree or equivalent in conservation or related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated record of treatment and research
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art imaging tools used for conservation documentation, including digital photography, x-radiography, and infrared reflectography
• Proficiency with computer software, including image processing software
• Museum or related experience preferred; interest in expanding canonical narratives strongly encouraged
• 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 on September 8, 2026, and ending on June 30, 2028.
• 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: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: 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.