The Assistant Paintings Conservator undertakes research, condition assessments, environmental monitoring, and treatments related to the care and preservation of paintings and painted objects in the care of the Menil Collection. All work must be performed in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.

1. Maintain paintings on view in galleries and in storage by regularly monitoring the objects and their environments, and by performing regular surface cleaning as appropriate.

2. Respond to incidents involving damage or potential damage to paintings and, analyzing the specifics of each instance, communicate with departments across the museum to mitigate future risk

3. Prepare paintings for exhibition, loan, or permanent gallery rotations

4. Serve as conservation department liaison for selected Menil Collection temporary exhibitions

5. Determine exhibition, handling, storage, and packing requirements for borrowed objects as well as those in the collection that will be exhibited or loaned

6. Coordinate with Art Services and Exhibition Design to develop safe solutions for exhibition casework and decking.

7. Assess and report on the condition of specific paintings requested for loan prior to departure and upon return from travel outside the Menil Collection

8. Report on the condition of paintings borrowed by the Menil Collection for temporary exhibitions

9. Coordinate framing, schedule artwork movements, and request photography of paintings as needed for exhibition, treatment or loan

10. Assist with installations and de-installations as needed/where appropriate

11. Perform occasional domestic and international courier duties

12. Select non-exhibition-driven treatment projects in consultation with the chief conservator and Curators, and gather information necessary for the creation of project budgets based on project needs

13. Assess the condition of paintings presented for purchase by or gift to the Menil Collection.

14. Assess the condition of paintings acquired by the Menil Collection, ensuring all necessary information is gathered and submitted to the painting’s permanent records

15. Conduct technical studies on the materials and techniques of artists represented in the Menil Collection, coordinating analysis and research with Conservation Scientist and Curators.

16. Engage with artists, their studio assistants, or estates to document working practices, materials, and installation parameters, either in written form or on video for the Artists Documentation Program (ADP)

17. Assist Conservation Imaging Specialist in the imaging of large or complex paintings

18. Attend professional meetings and give lectures or publish papers

19. Assist in the general maintenance and upkeep of the conservation studio

20. Investigate and advise on the purchase of equipment

A Master’s degree from a recognized art conservation program with a specialization in paintings is required, along with substantial practical experience and the ability to develop and undertake innovative treatments. While a broad knowledge of traditional materials and techniques is expected, a demonstrable interest in the treatment of modern and contemporary art is preferred. The successful candidate will be an effective verbal and written communicator. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize and work independently are essential. The Assistant Paintings Conservator will report to the Chief Conservator and will regularly work in concert with the Matter/Framer, Andrew W. Mellon Advanced Training Fellow in Painting Conservation, Research Scientist, Conservation Imaging Specialist, department Paper and Objects Conservators and other museum staff.

The successful candidate will join a team of five full-time conservators, a shared research scientist, a conservation imaging specialist, and four support staff. Integrated within the iconic Renzo Piano-designed Menil Collection, the conservation facilities comprise both shared and dedicated studios for the conservation of paintings, objects, and works of art on paper, as well as analysis and imaging. Since its founding in 1987, the Menil Collection Conservation Department has distinguished itself through the publication of innovative treatments and materials research. Of particular note is the department’s ongoing commitment to working with living artists, including the establishment of The Artists Documentation Program (ADP), which interviews artists and their close associates in order to gain a better understanding of their materials, working techniques, and intent for conservation of their works.