Paintings Conservation Fellow

Houston, MS - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Academic Level: Graduate Conservation
Supervisor: Conservator
Department: Paintings Conservation
Dates of Fellowship: ASAP
Term: 1 year potentially renewable for a second year

Position Description

The Conservation Department at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) invites applications for a Paintings Conservation Fellow. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work within a fast-paced and dynamic environment treating a wide range of Modern and Contemporary paintings comprehensively from preventive conservation to interventive treatments for a large private collection housed within the MFAH collection.

The fellowship is designed to provide hands-on experience in advanced conservation practice supporting the care treatment and long-term preservation of paintings across a wide range of Modern and Contemporary Masters. The Fellow will work closely under the supervision of MFAH Paintings Conservators and collaborate with colleagues in the broader Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation.

The MFAH houses an encyclopedic collection of nearly 80000 objects spanning 5000 years of art. The recent expansion of the Museum created one of the most comprehensive conservation facilities in the United States including state-of-the-art labs for Paintings Objects and Sculpture Paper Photography Textiles Time-based Media and Conservation Science as well as Imaging Matting and Framing studios.

What Youll Experience

You will be part of a team that is deeply grounded in the values of curiosity transparency and shared responsibility with a commitment to advancing conservation as both a discipline and a collaborative museum practice. Fellows will be encouraged to contribute meaningfully to treatment research and collections care while engaging with conservators curators scientists collections staff and educators. This environment emphasizes generosity of knowledge humility and respect for diverse perspectives.

What Youll learn

This fellowship emphasizes learning through practice in a supportive and collaborative environment. You will:

Gain extensive hands-on experience in painting conservation developing agility and confidence in treatment.
Learn to make quick informed decisions in the context of fast-paced treatments.
Develop a nimble hand and mind trained to adapt to a wide variety of conservation challenges.
Hone your ability to balance preventive structural and interventive approaches.
Benefit from close supervision and mentorship with guidance that encourages growth while building independence.
Strengthen collaborative skills by working alongside conservators scientists curators and collections staff.

This position is especially suited for those seeking intensive treatment experience with less emphasis on the technical study of art history and a greater focus on the practical demands of conservation work.

Responsibilities

Perform conservation treatments on paintings ranging from minor stabilization and cleaning to major structural work.
Document all work to the highest professional standards including written and photographic records.
Participate in departmental activities including lab meetings exhibition preparation and professional presentations.

Requirements

The candidate is a recent graduate of a recognized painting conservation graduate program. Previous conservation experience and internships in painting conservation are preferred. Demonstrated ability to carry out treatments with precision and care as well as to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Application

Application materials must be received by November 21 2025 with interviews conducted shortly thereafter.

For consideration please submit the following materials:

A letter stating your interests and intent in applying for the fellowship including a description of previous conservation experience and internships.
Curriculum vitae.
An online portfolio (preferred).

Academic Level: Graduate ConservationSupervisor: ConservatorDepartment: Paintings ConservationDates of Fellowship: ASAPTerm: 1 year potentially renewable for a second yearPosition DescriptionThe Conservation Department at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) invites applications for a Paintings Co...