David Booth Fellowship in Conservation Science | Conservation

September 2026 — August 2028

The David Booth Conservation Department at The Museum of Modern Art is pleased to offer a two-year fellowship in conservation science, starting September 2026. The fellowship provides an opportunity to learn how a scientist supports the mission of a museum. Working alongside staff scientists and in conjunction with conservators, curators, designers, museum educators, and facilities engineers, the fellow will apply their knowledge and skills to provide scientific information to colleagues. In addition, the fellow’s work will help guide and formulate conservation treatments; enrich our understanding of the materiality of a collection of objects; and highlight how environmental factors affect an object’s lifetime. In addition to developing and refining advanced techniques in conservation science, the fellow will be integrated into one of two projects related to improving our understanding of the aging of polymers found in collections. Time permitting, the fellow will be encouraged to adapt expertise developed elsewhere to enrich the field of heritage science, art conservation, or the museum. The fellow is strongly encouraged to disseminate their findings online, at conferences, or in peer-reviewed journals. The fellow will complete the program with a broadened skillset and a comprehensive understanding of how these functions interrelate. 

The Museum of Modern Art is committed to nurturing the next generation of curators, art historians, conservators, scientists, and other arts professionals. This conservation fellowship is part of a distinctive museum-wide fellowship program that offers opportunities for training and development through immersion in the Museum’s departments, working alongside and mentored by experienced staff members. The fellows will also participate in a core methods and practice program with MoMA staff and other invited guests to explore object-based research and inquiry, public engagement in a museum context, and arts leadership and the role of cultural institutions.  

Responsibilities include:

• Equipment use and data interpretation: The fellow will be trained in operating and maintaining some or all of the following equipment: optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (transmitted, ATR, and diffuse reflectance, micro-FTIR, specular reflectance), Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, and microfade testing.
• Cultural heritage science projects: the fellow will work with staff scientists and conservation staff to develop a project that highlights the issues and analytical tools required to study and understand the field of cultural heritage as it relates to modern and contemporary art.  
• Data archiving and report writing: The fellow will archive raw data to the department’s network and write report summaries that are linked to the Museum’s main archival software program, The Museum System (TMS).
• Environmental monitoring: The fellow will develop expertise in environmental monitoring, its importance in relation to the storage, exhibition, and shipment of the collection, its interpretation, and learn to add new data to existing historical data.
• Material properties studies: the fellow will perform work, including light-fastness studies, to develop an understanding of the issues surrounding aging, stability, and instability of materials found in modern and contemporary art collections.
• Literature review: the fellow will be asked to build on the department’s existing literature holdings, read and study the literature as guided by the scientists, and communicate knowledge gained to the department.
• The fellow will be encouraged to submit at least one manuscript related to the results of their studies and projects to a peer-reviewed journal.
• Assist in supervising seasonal interns as requested.
• Perform any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements:

• A master’s degree or higher in conservation science or science in a related field, e.g. chemistry, applied physics, materials science, forensics, or polymer science. No more than three years past graduation. 
• Demonstrated proficiencies in utilizing FTIR or Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrated interest in supporting conservation professionals with the treatment and examination of art or related media.
• Ability to aid staff scientists in maintaining chemical and environmental safety standards and protocols.
• Preference will be given to those candidates who can demonstrate teamwork and effective communication skills, the ability to manage their time in a multitasking environment, and a systematic and methodological approach to research.

Reports to: Catherine Stephens, The Sally and Michael Gordon Conservation Scientist

Salary: $54,000 (plus benefits and vacation), with $3,500 annually for research and travel.

Application instructions:

Candidates should apply online at MoMA Jobs. In addition to your resume, please submit a detailed letter of interest and include the name of three references; letters from references are not required. Do not include treatment reports in the application. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to supply treatment reports at that time; interviews will be scheduled in the second half of January 2026. 

The deadline for applications is January 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST. Applications without a letter of interest will not be considered.

The Museum of Modern Art’s Conservation Fellowship Initiative is made possible through the David Booth Conservation Center Endowment Fund.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement:

Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).