at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
DepartmentISAC: Museum
About the Department
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind's progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world's leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC's collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC's centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is "The University of Chicago." The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.
Job Summary
With oversight from the Chief Preparator, manages the care, design, handling, and display of the ISAC's 350,000 artifacts excavated primarily by ISAC archaeologists. Leverages specialized design expertise and uses independent judgement to propose specific recommendations for main galleries and special exhibits as well as graphic design initiatives. Proposes and implements creative solutions to solve complex issues around exhibit preparation, object mountings and movements, and exhibit installation. Becomes the resident expert on and leads Institute- and museum-related graphic design and layout, printing of graphic materials, and A/V media installation.
This position interacts regularly with and is a trusted advisor to curatorial, conservation, archive, and registration staff on technical factors (e.g. lighting, crate materials, foam etc.) and co-determines best course of action for objects selected for exhibitions. Serves as the primary driver of generating graphic design elements in support of Institute and Museum objectives.
Responsibilities
- In close coordination with the Chief Preparator, and with outside vendors as required, functions as integral contributor to the design, construction, installation, and de-installation of museum exhibits and displays.
- Implements innovative solutions related to the design, construction, installation, and de-installation of permanent and special exhibitions, including exhibits that require special handling or environmental conditions (special lighting conditions, PH, temperature, and humidity).
- Supports workflow in key areas of museology operations (exhibition scheduling, registration, conservation).
- Conducts environmental tests prior to and during special exhibits to meet the requirements of museum loans and the permanent collection. Using archival information from previous special exhibitions to identify the most efficient solutions (mounting, special environmental conditions, etc.) for upcoming special exhibitions.
- Acts as the key driver of the conception, design, and integration of updates to the museum gallery.
- Conceptualizes and designs new digital tools (touchscreens, 3D maps) for museum galleries.
- Using knowledge of design principles, uses graphic arts software and tools for preparation of layouts for printing.
- Provides primary input and leadership on graphic design of Institute-wide graphically printed or electronically published materials. Perform shared creative procedures with other exhibit and graphic designers on projects.Graphic designers from partner institutions of the Institute (MADD lab, UChicago digital humanities; Polsky Center of UChicago, center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Northern Illinois University; UChicago MRESC, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, etc.). Graphic Designers of other museums in Greater Chicago area, such as Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Smart Museum etc.
- Researches and applies best practices related to design and implementation of museum exhibitions.
- Pack, unpack and transport objects and/or exhibits and displays and/or artwork using accepted museum standards and practices.
- Maintains exhibits and displays, storage areas, workshops, loading docks, museum grounds, and building facilities.
- Maintains shop equipment and supplies and may assist with purchase. Assists in monitoring the climate control system.
- Applies research and analysis pertaining to collections and external funding and participates in the selection of objects for exhibits.
- Writes condition reports and performs other inspection documentation. Ensures proper handling, maintenance, and return of pieces loaned to University museums.
- 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:
- Knowledge obtained through an art or design degree and familiarity with the history and physical cultural heritage of ancient West Asia and North Africa.
- Experience working in a team-oriented museum setting.
- Skills to monitor and execute multiple projects.
Preferred Competencies
- Excellent organizational and task-management skills.
- Demonstrated creativity, mechanical aptitude, and manual dexterity.
- An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, to speak, and to write well.
- Ability to work in a busy and diverse setting and manage multiple activities and priorities.
Working Conditions
- Must be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time.
- Must be able to lift and move loads appropriate to job requirements and be able to bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time.
- Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.
- Must be capable of working at heights as required.
- 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.
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