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Museum of Fine Arts, Houston · 5 months ago

Assistant Conservation Scientist

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

5+ years exp

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Assistant/Associate Conservation Scientist to join a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team committed to the care, interpretation, and study of the museum’s diverse collection. This role involves supporting ongoing conservation treatments, acquisitions, and research projects through advanced scientific analysis and clear communication.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis using a range of techniques (e.g., SEM-EDS, XRF, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, GC-MS, PLM)

Collaborate with curators and conservators to determine analytical priorities, develop methodologies, and interpret results within historical and material contexts

Manage daily lab operations including workflow, documentation, equipment care, and inventory within budget

Generate technical reports, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and present research at professional conferences

Maintain digital records and ensure proper archiving of data, images, samples, and reports

Supervise and mentor interns, fellows, or visiting researchers as applicable

Support educational and outreach efforts, including talks, tours, and public programming

Advise on preventive conservation strategies, environmental monitoring, and materials evaluation

Participate in departmental planning, professional development, and institutional initiatives including emergency preparedness and strategic projects

Qualification

Conservation scienceAnalytical methodsScientific researchChemistryMaterials scienceTechnical reportingData managementCollaborationCommunication skillsOrganizational skills

Required

Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a closely related field

Minimum five years of applied scientific research experience in cultural heritage, preferably in a museum setting

Demonstrated knowledge of materials used in works of art, degradation mechanisms, and conservation techniques

Advanced instrumental skills in analytical methods commonly used in heritage science

A record of peer-reviewed publications or public scholarship in conservation science or related disciplines

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and share knowledge with both technical and non-technical audiences

Strong organizational, computational, and data management skills

Legal eligibility to work in the United States

Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; manual dexterity required for handling delicate objects and instruments

Activities include standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, and climbing

Use of PPE as needed for chemical and analytical processes

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs

Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices

Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program

Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.

Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee

Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee

Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked

Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days

Holidays - Full-time employees receive eleven paid holidays per year

Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.

Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service.

Roth IRA also available!

MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership

Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and courses for you or your family at the Glassell School of Art.

Metro commuter subsidy available upon request

Professional development support and museum membership

Relocation assistance and research-related travel funds may be available

Company

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is a curation of artworks from a range of artists and eras.

Founded in 1900

Houston, Texas, USA

501-1000 employees

https://www.mfah.org

H1B Sponsorship

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

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2020 (1)