Assistant/Associate Conservator of Works of Art on Paper

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Assistant / Associate Conservator of Works of Art on Paper (DOE) to join our Department of Conservation. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a vibrant team dedicated to the preservation, study, and care of the museum’s paper-based collections, encompassing European, North American, South American, Islamic, Indian, and South Asian works on paper and parchment.

The Assistant / Associate Paper Conservator will be part of a 21-member full-time staff, including conservators, conservation scientists, imaging specialists, technicians, framers, and administrative support, as well as interns, fellows, and volunteers who contribute to the department’s mission of care, scholarship, and teaching.

The MFAH Conservation Department is housed within the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Center for Conservation, a 34,000-square-foot facility completed in 2018. The Center is home to laboratories for Paper, Paintings, Photography, Sculpture and Objects, Arts and Furniture, Historic Frames, and Conservation Science, as well as imaging and conservation preparatory studios — providing state-of-the-art resources for collaborative, cross-disciplinary work.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who:

• Is scientifically grounded and artistically attuned. You bring a commensurate level of technical depth in paper conservation and a curiosity about materials, processes, and cultural context.
• Works collaboratively. This is a team-driven lab rooted in the generosity of knowledge, time, and credit.
• Thrives in complexity. You are comfortable balancing analytical precision with interpretive insight across diverse collections and projects.
• Sees conservation as a shared responsibility. You work seamlessly across departments — with curators, preparators, registrars, and scientists — to care for the museum’s art.
• Leads with humility and curiosity. You value learning, mentorship, and inclusive dialogue as part of your daily practice.
• Is values-driven. Integrity, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives guide your decision-making.
• Understands that how we work matters. Pursues excellence while supporting well-being in a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace.

Key Responsibilities

All activities are to be carried out in consultation with and under the supervision of the Head of the Paper Lab. The Assistant / Associate Conservator will:

• Examine works of art on paper and related collections (e.g., manuscripts, Islamic and Indian paintings and Asian scrolls), assess condition, and prepare examination reports.
• Recommend and perform conservation treatments in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Discuss and coordinate treatment plans and schedules with curatorial colleagues; engage in dialogue with curatorial staff regarding treatment decisions, as well as the historical and aesthetic context of the collection.
• Participate in preservation activities, including exhibition preparation, installation, environmental monitoring, and emergency response as needed.
• Advise on loan requests and returns, ensuring works of art can be safely transported and displayed.
• Contribute to departmental and museum-wide research, scholarship, and outreach, including public engagement and educational initiatives.
• Enter all findings and documentation in the museum database, ensuring photographic documentation is properly labeled and stored.
• Participate in professional development, conferences, and workshops to advance knowledge in the field of paper conservation.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance and safety, and coordinate supply orders in consultation with the Administrative Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and completion of a graduate-level program in conservation with specialization in paper conservation, or equivalent education and training.
• Two to five or more years post-graduate experience in the conservation of paper-based materials, preferably in a museum or library setting.
• Five to eight years of post-graduate experience to be considered at the Associate level.
• Familiarity with the range of materials represented in the MFAH’s paper-based collections.
• Knowledge of museum best practices and collections management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation abilities.
• Proficiency with databases and digital tools used in conservation documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a diverse and multidisciplinary environment.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and ethical standards in all aspects of conservation work.

Why Consider Us

At MFAH, conservation is about sustaining both the art and the human stories it carries. As an Assistant Paper Conservator, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation and understanding of a world-class collection while working in an environment that values curiosity, generosity, and mutual respect. The department’s interdisciplinary structure and commitment to collaboration provide fertile ground for research, innovation, and professional growth.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• 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.

The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• 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

The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:

• 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.

Other Benefits

• Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff members contributing to the plan may receive a matching contribution of up to 5% from the MFAH after one year of service.  (We also recognize prior nonprofit service, which will provide for an accelerated employer match!)
• 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

Compensation

The salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements outlined in the job description.  The MFAH has established the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline, not a guarantee of the compensation amount or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, the needs and requirements expressed in the job description, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, and any related regulations or other laws.

We anticipate the following ranges for this role:

• Assistant Conservator $55,000.00 - $65,000.00
• Associate Conservator $65,000.00 - $75,000.00

What to Submit

Qualified applicants should apply online, as this is the most effective way to ensure consideration. Submissions MUST include:

• CV or résumé
• Cover letter addressing your qualifications, interest in the position, and how your values align with the MFAH's mission
• Contact information for three professional references (We will not contact without your knowledge.)

Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration. 

When to Submit

IMPORTANT DEADLINE:

All submissions must be received by Friday, December 12, 2025.

How to Apply

1. Visit the MFAH Careers page at –

https://www.mfah.org/about/careers/

1. "Click" on All current employment opportunities
2. Scroll through the listings to find this role.
3. "Click" and apply!
4. It's that easy.

About the MFAH Conservation Environment

The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is home to 21 diverse and highly skilled team of conservation professionals dedicated to the preservation and study of the museum’s encyclopedic collection. The staff includes specialists in paintings, paper, photo, science, sculpture and objects, textiles, time-based media art, as well as imaging specialist, conservation technicians, conservation matting and framing technicians, fellows, and interns. We care for an encyclopedic collection, which includes almost 80,000 objects and spans 5,000 years of achievement in the arts. Together, we bring a wide range of expertise in historical and contemporary materials, treatment methodologies, and preventive conservation. We have a collaborative spirit, marked by intellectual rigor and a commitment to ethical and inclusive practice. Our team works closely with curators, educators, and scientists to advance cross-disciplinary research, public engagement, and innovative approaches to collections care. The Center fosters a supportive environment where mentorship, transparency, and continual learning are core values. We are proud to be one of the most diverse conservation laboratories in the U.S.—and we approach that responsibility with care, respect, and determination.

The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in terms of exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with over 1 million visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution comprises multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries, and two house museums dedicated to decorative arts.

As an employer, MFAH provides a supportive, collegial, and inclusive work environment, along with a competitive benefits package.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Work will primarily be performed in an office environment.  The work will involve extended periods of sitting and computer use.  With or without reasonable accommodation, the selected individual must have the capacity to perform all essential functions effectively. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will include:

• Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks.
• Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Extensive computer usage.
• Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly to communicate with staff, guests, and others.
• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and walking, which may be required for extended periods of time.
• Good vision or corrected by the use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities.

Equal Opportunities for All

At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.

Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.

Research shows that some individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely for an applicant to meet 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org