at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
DepartmentISAC: Museum
About the Department
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) of the University of Chicago is a leading interdisciplinary research center for the ancient West Asia and North Africa. Since its founding in 1919 the work of ISAC has assumed an extraordinary array of forms. We conduct definitive fieldwork projects that shape archaeology, and we discover ancient settlements and their landscapes through state-of-the-art satellite and digital imaging methods. Our linguistic research furthers the decipherment of ancient languages, and we produce dictionaries that serve as cultural encyclopedias for understanding ancient civilizations. We record, document, and preserve imperiled cultural heritage.
The ISAC Museum (ISACM), which opened to the public in 1931, houses the largest collections of artifacts from the ancient West Asia and North Africa the United States, with more than 350,000 artifacts excavated primarily by ISAC archaeologists. The ISACM collections also include a comprehensive archive that documents our fieldwork and other research. Together, these collections comprise one of the best resources for the documentation of the ancient world, allowing us to understand, reveal, and protect the past.
Job Summary
The Conservator reports directly to the Chief Museum Conservator and Museum Associate Director/Chief Curator. Working alongside the Senior Conservator, the Conservator is responsible for managing the care and continued preservation of the collections of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures.
These responsibilities include not only the cleaning, treatment, restoration, and proper handling of objects, but also the establishment and monitoring of optimum environmental conditions, temperature, humidity, and light levels within the galleries and storage areas. It also includes the performance of research and development activities that will ultimately serve the collection and the institution's public outreach.
Responsibilities
- Ensures compliance with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC)conservation policies and procedures for cleaning, treating, restoring, and handling pieces in museum collections. Oversees the care, handling, and display of museum collections and may assist with the design of exhibits and displays. Executes priority treatments established by Head Conservator and Chief Curator for objects in need of treatment, e.g. objects needed for special projects, exhibition, loan, photography, visiting scholars, or at high risk due to their unstable condition. Conservation treatments: document object treatments with written conservation reports and condition photography.
- Preparation of loans: responsible for the preliminary examination of objects to decide on their suitability for loan, writes condition reports for each object on loan documented with photographs (which may or may not be taken in the conservation laboratory), packs the loan or supervises the packing of the loan, and inspects the loan on its return.
- Supports Museum staff on selection of objects for exhibit based on sensitivity to environmental factors and determines priority for objects in need of treatment in conjunction with the Head Conservator and Chief Curator. Advises the staff, visiting researchers and faculty members on proper handling of the collection. Advises on proper storage of the collection. Assists with maintenance of storage areas: survey of collection safety, assesses the storage space, supervises maintenance of storage premises, assists with pest control (IPM). Assists with maintenance and oversight of external monitoring, such as vibration monitors.
- Prepares handouts for the handling of objects by interns, researchers, etc.; filming in the galleries and any other activity that involves the safety of the objects. Advises on proper mounting of objects for exhibition. Assists museum staff in completing gallery updates regarding the collection. Advises on museum security as it affects the safety of objects.
- Maintains the Conservation Laboratory, including the purchasing of new equipment and supplies, in consultation with the Head Conservator and Chief Curator.
- Performs necessary research activities to maintain the standards of the institution regarding conservation procedures. Demonstrate knowledge of relevant literature and attend conservation conferences, workshops, symposia, etc. Ensure proper outreach of the conservation activities by providing public lectures and presentations for museum education, development, and membership support. Expands the Institute activities with collaborations with other museum collections, such as the Art Institute, Field Museum and Smart Museum, and encourages collaborations and training with other conservation departments, both nationally and internationally.
- Applies research and analysis pertaining to collections and external funding and participates in the selection of objects for exhibits.
- Has a moderate understanding of the conservations budget and laboratory, including the purchase of equipment and supplies. Analyzes priority for pieces in need of treatment and operates microscope and x-ray equipment used to analyze pieces.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience with analytical techniques such as handheld x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
- Organizational Experience in a team-oriented museum setting.
Preferred Competencies
- Highly proficient skills to oversee multiple projects with minimal supervision.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and fine hand skills.
- An exceptional work ethic and discretion regarding certain aspects of the position (security access to certain material or sensitive information, for example).
- Ability to work in a busy and diverse setting and perform multiple activities and priorities.
- Familiarity with museum databases.
Working Conditions
- Must be able to work under rigorous deadlines.
- Must be able to bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time.
- Must be able to enter and work within tight spaces.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- Three professional references (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Museum & Arts
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
