Project Conservator

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Project Conservator

Job Profile Title

Museum Conservator

Job Description Summary

The Project Conservator is responsible for carrying out conservation work on monumental stone artifacts selected for exhibition in the renovated Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries. This work will be carried out in the Museum’s off-site Conservation Lab Annex (CLA), located approximately 50 minutes from the main Museum facility. Approximately 80% of the conservator’s duties will be carried out in this location. Primary duties include providing a treatment proposal for objects selected for exhibition; carrying out necessary treatments; keeping written, photographic, and electronic records of work; working with mount makers and structural engineers to design support armatures and keeping current with developments in the field through readings, conferences, online discussions, and personal contacts. The successful candidate must be available to work at the off-site location, which is not accessible by public transit.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Carry out necessary object treatments.
• Keep written, photographic, and electronic records of work.
• Work with engineers and mount makers on designing structural armatures.
• Keep current with developments in field through readings, conferences, online discussions, and personal contacts.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master of Science, Master of Arts, and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Experience working on large-scale objects/works preferred.
• Familiarity and/or comfort working on scaffolding or elevated surfaces preferred.
• Fabrication and/or shop experience preferred.
• Experience working with lifting equipment.

Application Requirement 

• A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.  

** Please note that this is a term position with a target end date of 4/30/2029.

Job Location - City, State