Job Description

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. 

The Conservation Scientist conducts scientific research and analysis to inform the preservation and scholarly interpretation of the Museum’s collections. As a member of the Museum’s scientific staff, they help facilitate the development of the Scientific Research Department, and its staff. They contribute to long-range planning for department and Conservation Division. They participate in related activities to enable the Museum to fulfill its mission and maintain the highest standards of scholarship and professional practice.

Specifically, you will:

• Undertake scientific research and analysis of the Museum’s collections for their preservation and scholarly interpretation.

• Collaborate with conservators, curators, scientists, and educators at the Museum and elsewhere, regarding scientific, conservation, and art historical research.

• Prepare and disseminate written reports of scientific findings to Museum staff, as appropriate.

• Make research public via scholarly journals, exhibition catalogues, and presentations at conferences and public lectures.

• Enhance scholarship by staying abreast of developments in scientific and conservation literature and fields.

• Help plan and develop laboratory resources through grant proposals, in-kind donations and cultivation of individuals able to provide support.

• Help select and use instruments, and maintain instruments, equipment, and supplies.

• Work to ensure a safe laboratory environment for occupants.

• Help mentor and facilitate research of department’s technicians, fellows, interns, and students, and encourage their professional development.

• Help develop and implement departmental budget.

• Participate in tours and events for visitors and donors and fundraising events.

• Help develop and maintain professional collaborations with academic and corporate laboratories to provide external support.

• Perform educational outreach, e.g., lectures in chemistry or preservation programs.

• Participate in professional organizations.

• Ensure that appropriate skills and knowledge are developed and maintained through continuing education, training, and professional meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

• PhD degree in a physical science or related discipline, and 5+ years professional experience in a museum, academic, or corporate research laboratory.

• May have supplemental conservation, fine arts, or art history degree.

• Competency in analytical techniques, such as FTIR, GC/MS, SEM/EDS, XRD, XRF, and related computer applications.

• Excellent communication skills in speaking and writing (evidence required).

• Ability to work and interact successfully with others in broad range of disciplines and positions, e.g., co-workers, students, and visiting scholars.

• Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies.

Position and Compensation Details

• The salary for this position is $91,000.

• This position is Full-Time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.

• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.

• This position reports to Senior Scientist

• Physical requirements:

• Ability to utilize instruments and computers required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical laboratory environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access all public and staff areas of the Museum campus, with or without accommodation

• Able to regularly set up, adjust, and operate a computer/keyboard and other office equipment used to generate work/transmit data.

• Able to safely lift and transport chemicals, liquid nitrogen and laboratory compressed gases, such as helium

• Able to move up to 40 pounds

• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.

• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.

• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.

• Maintains confidentiality.

• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family

• Discounted guest tickets for admission

• Discounts on gift memberships

• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams

• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits

• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance

• Health savings or flexible spending account program

• Retirement savings program with museum match

• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.

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