Conservation Scientist

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 historically
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

The Scientist conducts scientific research and analysis to inform the
preservation and scholarly interpretation of the museum’s collections. As a
member of the museum’s scientific staff, they help facilitate the
development of the Scientific Research Department, and its staff. They
contribute to long-range planning for department and Conservation Division.
They participate in related activities to enable the museum to fulfill its
mission and maintain the highest standards of scholarship and professional
practice.

Specifically, you will

Undertake scientific research and analysis of the museum’s collections for
their preservation and scholarly interpretation.
Collaborate with conservators, curators, scientists, and educators at the
museum and elsewhere, regarding scientific, conservation, and art historical
research.
Prepare and disseminate written reports of scientific findings to museum
staff, as appropriate.
Make research public via scholarly journals, exhibition catalogues, and
presentations at conferences and public lectures.
Enhance scholarship by staying abreast of developments in scientific and
conservation literature and fields.
Help plan and develop laboratory resources through grant proposals, in-kind
donations and cultivation of individuals able to provide support.
Help select and use instruments, and maintain instruments, equipment, and
supplies.
Work to ensure a safe laboratory environment for occupants.
Help develop and implement departmental budget.
Participate in tours and events for visitors and donors and fundraising
events.
Help develop and maintain professional collaborations with academic and
corporate laboratories to provide external support.
Perform educational outreach, e.g., lectures in chemistry or preservation
programs.
Participate in professional organizations.
Ensure that appropriate skills and knowledge are developed and maintained
through continuing education, training, and professional meetings.
Other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include
Graduate degree (PhD) in a physical science or related discipline and 3+
years professional experience in a museum, academic, or corporate research
laboratory.
May have supplemental conservation, fine arts, or art history degree.
Competency in analytical techniques, such as FTIR, GC/MS, SEM/EDS, XRD, XRF,
and related computer applications.
Excellent communication skills in speaking and writing (evidence required).
Ability to work and interact successfully with others in broad range of
disciplines and positions, e.g., co-workers, students, and visiting scholars.
Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies.

Position and Compensation Details
The minimum salary for this position is $80,000.
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 Senior Scientist

Physical Requirements:
Ability to utilize instruments and computers required of this job, to perform
physically administrative duties in a typical laboratory environment,
gallery, or exhibit space, and to access all public and staff areas of the
Museum campus, with or without accommodation
Able to regularly set up, adjust, and operate a computer/keyboard and other
office equipment used to generate work/transmit data.
Able to safely lift and transport chemicals, liquid nitrogen and laboratory
compressed gases, such as helium
Able to move up to 40 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
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to
apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool,

or a candidate has been selected.

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.