Post-Graduate Fellowship in Conservation
Full-time temporary (2-3 years) exempt
Compensation: $65000 annually
Background
Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center the Frick is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.
The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick () who bequeathed his home paintings sculptures and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment. The institutions holdingswhich encompass masterworks from the Renaissance through the nineteenth centuryhave grown over the decades more than doubling in size since the opening of the museum in 1935. A critical component of the institution is the Frick Art Research Library founded in 1920 by Helen Clay Frick daughter of the museums founder. Recognized as one of the worlds top art history research centers it has served students scholars and members of the public free of charge for generations.
The Frick has undergone a comprehensive renovation and was open in a temporary home Frick Madison from 2020 through early 2024 while renovations were underway at the mansion on 70th addition to special exhibition galleries and education spaces we have added enhanced visitor amenities and accessible spaces. The Frick Collection and Frick Art Research Library reopened to the public in April 2025.
Workplace Culture
At the Frick Collection we pride ourselves on promoting an open and welcoming workplace culture that supports diversity and work-life balance. The Frick strives to provide our employees with competitive salaries and exceptional benefits in a beautiful and pleasant work setting while offering an excellent opportunity to appreciate some of the worlds finest works of art.
Equal Employment Opportunity has been and will continue to be a fundamental principle at The Frick Collection where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race color religion sex national origin age marital status alienage or citizenship status sexual orientation disability pregnancy military status creed genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including but not limited to hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.
Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.
Fellowship Description
The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund Conservation Fellowship supports the Fricks Conservation team in the care and preservation of the European sculpture and decorative arts objects in the collection. The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund Conservation Fellow will report to the Conservator under the direction of the Chief Conservator. The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund Conservation Fellow will participate in all departmental activities related to preventive care of the collection and historic interiors of the Frick mansion; documentation and interventive treatment of sculpture and decorative arts; research and technical study of collection works; and supporting upcoming exhibitions. Other tasks include but are not limited to maintaining collections information improving workflows and procedures and sourcing conservation materials and tools. Additionally the Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund Conservation Fellow will gain experience with mentoring interns in the department.
During their tenure the Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund Conservation Fellow will be expected to produce at least one scholarly presentation or publication based on their work supported by a stipend for travel and by The Frick Collections staff.
This position is intended for applicants who have completed a graduate program within the last three years in Art Conservation with a focus in objects conservation. More experienced applicants with primary or additional focuses in preventive furniture or textile conservation may also be considered. Applicants must have successfully completed their course of study prior to the date when the Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund Conservation Fellowship would begin. All applicants are welcome and we encourage applications from:
Time Commitment
We anticipate this Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund Conservation Fellowship will begin in September 2026 and continue through August 2028 or 2029 depending on the successful candidates schedule and the mutually exercisable option for a third and final year.
Employment Status and Compensation
The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund Conservation Fellow is considered a full-time temporary exempt employee for the duration of their two- or three-year fellowship and will be eligible for all benefits associated with full-time employment. Full-time Conservation employees of the Frick Collection are generally scheduled to work 35 hours/week. The annual compensation for this role is $65000.
Stipend
In addition to compensation we provide an onboarding stipend of $1500 to help support travel or other expenses to all fellows who are engaged to work.
Benefits in Employment with the Frick Collection
Paid Holidays: All full-time employees are eligible for 14 paid holiday; all federal holidays plus Juneteenth and Election Day and four floating holidays each year: two floating holidays that may be used January - June; two that may be used July - December.
Sick and Vacation Time: All full-time employees are eligible to accrue up to 12 sick days and 12 vacation days in their first year of subsequent years eligible full-time employees accrue up to 12 sick days and 25 vacation days per year.
Family Leave: We provide all eligible employees with bereavement leave and paid parental leave and adhere to federal family leave laws.
Health Dental and Vision Insurance: All eligible full-time employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in employee-sponsored benefit plans. Employees contribute to the cost of health insurance based on income level and type of coverage selected.
Short- and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance: The Frick covers the entire cost of disability and life insurance benefits for all eligible full-time employees. The life insurance benefit is up to three times the employees annual salary.
Retirement: The Frick supports all eligible employees in planning for retirement by offering participation in a 403(b) tax-deferred savings plan and a defined-benefit pension plan. We also offer retiree health benefits for retirees and their eligible dependents.
Wellness Programs: The Frick offers programs including an Employee Assistance Plan and discounts on a Citi Bike membership.
Additional Benefits: The Frick also offers eligible employees benefits including discounted MetroCards/TransitCheks and flexible spending accounts for medical expenses dependent care and commuting costs and a Seamless discount on days when working onsite.
Application Process and Timeline
Applications for the Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund Conservation Fellowship beginning in the 2026-2027 Academic Year must be submitted no later than January 30 2026.
Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews and applicants will be notified in mid to late February 2026.
To apply:
Submit PDF of cover letter and résumé.
Include the following in your cover letter:
Apply here or send required materials to:
Conservation Fellowship
The Frick Collection
1 East 70th Street
New York NY 10021
Please note that fellowship applications to multiple departments are not accepted; please apply to only one department.
Stay connected with The Frick Collection, your home for art from the Renaissance through the late nineteenth century. Reopening April 17, 2025.