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 5,000 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: $65,000 - $75,000
Full Conservator: $75,000 - $90,000
- 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 80,000 objects spanning 5,000 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: https://www.mfah.org/about/careers
Required materials:
CV or résumé
Cover letter addressing qualifications, interest in the position, and alignment with MFAH’s mission
Contact information for three professional references
For inquiries:
Per Knutås
Chairman, Department of Conservation
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
