Paintings Conservator

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) seeks an Associate or Full Conservator of Paintings to join the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. This is a full-time position within a collaborative cross-disciplinary environment where conservation is integrated into broader museum practices with an emphasis on preserving and expanding understanding of 5000 years of global visual art creation.

The MFAH holds an extensive and increasingly diverse collection with ongoing growth in modern and contemporary art. The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in painting materials and techniques across various periods with significant experience in modern and contemporary works strongly preferred.

At MFAH conservation is regarded as both a technical discipline and a form of cultural stewardship. We are dedicated to ethical practices intellectual rigor transparency in decision-making and a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect and professional responsibility.

Position Overview

The Associate / Full Conservator will:

• Examine document and treat paintings in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Develop and execute treatment plans for works ranging from historical to contemporary materials.
• Produce thorough documentation including technical analysis material descriptions and exhibition and handling recommendations.
• Provide condition assessments for acquisitions and loans advising on long-term preservation strategies.
• Contribute to preventive conservation planning storage design and exhibition preparation.
• Collaborate closely with Conservation Science to pursue analytical research that clarifies fabrication methods material behavior and deterioration mechanisms.
• Participate in collection-based research and contribute to the field through publications lectures and conference presentations.
• Mentor interns fellows and emerging professionals supporting a culture of shared knowledge and professional growth.
• Engage in public-facing initiatives including gallery talks and educational programming to advance understanding of conservation practice.
• Contribute to departmental planning emergency preparedness and strategic institutional initiatives.

What We Value

We seek a conservator who:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of painting materials and techniques across historical and contemporary practice.
• Brings (Associate: substantial Full: comprehensive) treatment experience and sound judgment in complex decision-making.
• Works effectively within interdisciplinary museum teams while maintaining independence and accountability in their work.
• Recognizes the ethical and cultural dimensions of conservation including the evolving role of museums in serving diverse publics.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully contributing to a professional environment grounded in trust transparency and shared responsibility.
• Is committed to ongoing learning reflection and engagement with current discourse in the field.
• Bring collegiality and thoughtfulness to work where trust and support are at the core of personal growth and institutional advancement.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Conservation from a recognized program or equivalent education and professional training.
• Minimum five years (Associate) or ten years (Full) of post-graduate experience in painting conservation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of museum standards collections care protocols and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrated record of professional achievement including significant treatment projects and scholarly contributions.
• Experience with modern and contemporary paintings strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills; proficiency with museum databases imaging systems and standard software.
• Ability to manage a complex workload and meet institutional deadlines.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
• For appointment at the Full Conservator level candidates should demonstrate sustained professional commitment an established record of scholarship and experience guiding complex projects or mentoring colleagues.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity required for the handling of delicate materials and tools.
• Activities may include standing sitting bending kneeling and climbing.
• Use of appropriate PPE for chemical or analytical processes.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits

Associate Conservator: $65000 - $75000

Full Conservator: $75000 - $90000

• Comprehensive medical dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off holidays and volunteer leave
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Professional development support and museum membership
• Relocation assistance and research-related travel funds may be available

About the Conservation Environment at MFAH

The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation is home to a team of 21 conservation professionals specializing in paintings works on paper photographic materials sculpture and objects textiles time-based media art and conservation science supported by imaging specialists technicians fellows and interns.

The team cares for an encyclopedic collection of nearly 80000 objects spanning 5000 years. Our work is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration material research and responsible stewardship. We prioritize mentorship open dialogue and equitable professional development.

The Center is one of the most diverse conservation laboratories in the United States. We recognize that the diversity of experience perspectives and backgrounds strengthens our practice and enriches our engagement with the public.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is committed to diversity equity accessibility and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates whose experiences and perspectives will contribute meaningfully to our work and institutional culture.

How to Apply

Submit application materials via the MFAH Careers Portal: materials:

CV or résumé

Cover letter addressing qualifications interest in the position and alignment with MFAHs mission

Contact information for three professional references

For inquiries:

Per Knutås
Chairman Department of Conservation