Andrew W. Mellon Postgraduate Fellowship in Costume and Textile Conservation

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group
of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage
individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized
and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our
shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry,
citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial
status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital
status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran
status, or any other protected status. 

How You Will Contribute

As an integral member of the museum’s conservation staff, the Fellow will
examine, conduct research, and perform treatment on a variety of costume and
textiles in the museum collections and will participate in activities related
to exhibitions, installations, loans, preventive care of the permanent
collection, and professional and public engagement. The Fellow will
collaborate with other museum staff to conduct research and analysis to
further understand materials, techniques, condition and/or installation of
artworks.

Specifically, you will:

• Examine, document, conduct research, and perform treatment on textiles, costumes, and fiber art in the collections of Costume and Textiles, American,
• European, East Asian, South Asian, and Contemporary Art.
• Complete an approved research project of publishable quality.
• Take part in ongoing preservation activities to support preventive care for works of art on view and in storage.
• Participate as a member of the Conservation Division in a range of institutional initiatives and functions, as well as in professional and public engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

• A graduate degree from a recognized master’s program in conservation or equivalent training, with completion no more than five years prior to application for the fellowship.
• Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitude.
• Demonstrated proficiency in English language skills (written and spoken).
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

 
Position and Compensation Details

• The salary for this position is $42,000.
• The position includes an annual stipend for research and travel.
• This position is full-time, exempt, and 35 hours per week.
• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
• This position reports to The Penny and Bob Fox Senior Conservator of Costumes and Textiles
• The position will begin September 18, 2023, and end August 29, 2025

Physical requirements:

• Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
• Able to regularly set up, adjust, and operate a computer/keyboard and other office equipment used to generate work/transmit data. 
• Able to move up to 20 pounds.
• COVID-19 vaccination required.
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made.
• Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum, and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2023.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have
access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including
the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.