Project Conservator
University of Chicago
Summary
Reporting to the Head Conservator and the Museum Director/Chief Curator, the Project Conservator will play a central role in a major grant-funded initiative to conserve and prepare the glazed brick façade from the Sin Temple at Khorsabad, Iraq (8th century BCE), one of the most significant architectural elements from the palace of Sargon II. The project focuses on the conservation, documentation, technical study, and long-term preservation of 282 glazed bricks excavated by the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) in 1933. The Project Conservator will carry out conservation treatments, technical examination, and research while collaborating closely with curatorial, collections, registration, exhibitions, and academic staff. The position also supports ISAC's broader mission through scholarship, public engagement, grant activities, and the development of best practices in archaeological conservation. This is a one-year, grant-funded position with the possibility of extension based on project needs and available funding.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Performs conservation treatment and stabilization of the glazed brick façade from the Sin Temple.
- Prepares and maintains comprehensive conservation documentation, including written treatment reports, condition reports, and photographic documentation.
- Maintains the Conservation Laboratory, including the purchase of new equipment and supplies.
- Operates microscopes and analytical instrumentation used in conservation research.
- Performs necessary research activities to maintain the standards of the institution regarding conservation procedures.
- Demonstrates knowledge of relevant literature and may attend conservation conferences, workshops, symposia, etc.
- Ensures proper outreach of the conservation activities by providing public lectures and presentations for museum education, development, and membership support.
- Ensures compliance with the ethical guidelines, standards, and professional practices of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC).
- Writes condition reports and performs other inspection documentation.
- Ensures proper handling, maintenance, and return of pieces loaned to University museums.
- 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. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: M.A. or M.S. in Conservation from a recognized university program is strongly preferred. Experience: Experience with archaeological objects is strongly preferred. Experience working in a museum or archaeological collection. Approximately five years of professional experience as an objects conservator is strongly preferred.
Technical Skills or Knowledge
- Thorough understanding of modern conservation theory, ethics, laboratory methods, and safe working practices.
- Excellent organizational, communication, writing, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and fine hand skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines.
- Familiarity with museum collections databases.
- Experience with analytical techniques such as handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy.
Working Conditions
A hybrid work schedule may be available, depending on project needs. Must be able to bend, kneel, lift, and work in confined spaces as required for conservation activities. This position is based at 1155 E. 58th Street, Chicago, Illinois.
Requirements
- College or university degree in related field
- 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline
- M.A. or M.S. in Conservation from a recognized university program is strongly preferred
- Experience with archaeological objects is strongly preferred
- Experience working in a museum or archaeological collection
- Approximately five years of professional experience as an objects conservator is strongly preferred
- Thorough understanding of modern conservation theory, ethics, laboratory methods, and safe working practices
- Excellent organizational, communication, writing, interpersonal, and leadership skills
- Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and fine hand skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines
- Familiarity with museum collections databases
- Experience with analytical techniques such as handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
Company overview
The University of Chicago is a world-renowned private research university founded in 1890 and located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. As a premier academic institution, it operates one of the most comprehensive biomedical research enterprises in the United States through its Biological Sciences Division, which includes over 1,100 faculty members across 10 basic science and 14 clinical departments. The university manages extensive research infrastructure including the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, multiple specialized research institutes, and maintains affiliations with Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. With research funding exceeding $450 million annually and more than 3,300 patents filed since 1987, the institution is a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation. The Biological Sciences Division alone supports over 500 research-active faculty who secure an average of $588,000 in NIH funding per principal investigator, focusing on areas including cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular metabolism, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology. The university's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its unique position as manager of national laboratories creates unparalleled opportunities for translational research and scientific advancement.