Assistant/Associate Textile Conservator

Requisition Number

88040BR

Supervisory Organization

Yale Art Gallery - Conservation

University Job Title

Conservator 3

Bargaining Unit

None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Fixed

If Fixed Duration, Period

2 years from date of hire

If Fixed Duration, is continuation possible?

No

Other Fixed Duration Date

21-Apr-2026

Compensation Grade

Galleries & Museums

Compensation Grade Profile

Conservator 3 (23)

Wage Ranges

Click here to see our Wage Ranges

Searchable Job Family

Museum/Curatorial

Total # of hours to be worked:

37.5

Work Week

Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)

Work Location

West Campus

Worksite Address

1111 Chapel Street

New Haven, CT 06510

Position Focus:

The Gallery, with its rich collection of over 5,300 textiles, is seeking applicants for a full-time, 2 year durational position of Assistant or Associate reporting to the Susan Morse Hilles Chief Conservator. The Assistant/Associate Conservator of Textiles will condition assess and treat Indonesian textiles in preparation for a comprehensive exhibition planned to open in September of 2025 at the Yale University Art Gallery. Primary responsibilities of this position include condition assessment of objects selected for exhibition; planning, documenting, and performing complex item-level conservation treatments on textiles and garments; completing materials analysis as necessary, including the identification of fibers and colorants, which may be included in the online exhibition catalogue; and assisting Collections and Exhibition teams in safe handling, mounting, installation and de-installation of textiles. Though the focus of this position will be on Indo-Pacific objects, the Assistant or Associate Conservator will also consult on and provide conservation treatment of textiles and garments from other curatorial areas including Ancient, Asian, European, and the Americas, as time permits. The conservator will also be able to explore the rich and important textile collections housed across the Yale University Museums. The incumbent will benefit from working in an active conservation department in dialogue with curators, conservation scientists from Yale’s Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, art handlers, exhibitions staff, registrars, educators, students, and the large conservation community at Yale.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Plans, researches and implements conservation treatments for cultural property in museum, library, archives, and study collections. Examines the material composition and deterioration of objects in order to develop and execute appropriate conservation treatments. Identifies and diagnoses problems, devises conservation methods which ensure the safety of the objects. Assesses and devises alternative and/or modifies conservation methods to achieve desired results. Creates accurate written and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments and other activities. Reports research and significant treatments through publications conference papers and posters. Recommends proper housing, storing of objects and the proper climate conditions for physical storage. Contributes in the care and physical well-being of collections; assists in planning strategies for collection care. Oversees safe use and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations and policies. Assists in teaching courses to undergraduate and graduate students. Assists in the supervision of conservation interns and fellows. Supervises a small staff of non-exempt employees and/or student assistants. May perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties

1. Designs and manages conservation laboratory; establishes and schedules priorities for the treatment and preservation of objects; plans, researches and implements conservation treatments including very complex treatments on cultural property in museum, library, archives, and study collections. 2. Examines the material composition and deterioration of objects in order to develop and execute appropriate conservation treatments. 3. Identifies and diagnoses problems, devises and approves conservation methods which ensure the safety of the objects. Assesses and devises alternative and/or modify conservation methods to achieve desired results. 4. Creates accurate written and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments and other activities. 5. Performs research necessary to preserve the authenticity of collections and ensure deterioration of collections is monitored and controlled. 6. Reports research and significant treatments through publications, conference papers and posters. 7. Assesses conservation needs of object, proper housing, physical storage, and display areas for collections and ascertains correct environmental control for preservation. 8. Assists in determining conservation priorities for collections and/or individual projects and planning strategies for collection care. 9. Advises on the acquisition, loan, and exhibition of collections or individual objects. 10. Oversees safe use and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations and policies. 11. Assists in teaching courses to undergraduate and graduate students. 12. Assists in the supervision of conservation interns and fellows. 13. Supervises a small staff of non-exempt employees and/or student assistants. 14. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Art, Museum and/or Library/Archives Conservation, Materials Science, or related field and four years of conservation experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed. Excellent interpersonal skills.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Demonstrated accuracy and strong attention to detail and excellent observational skills and critical thinking. Superior organizational skills and time management. Ability to work well under pressure.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Proven ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines among conflicting priorities. Positive attitude that supports the department's goals.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Proven ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and to be a team player in active project, office and laboratory environments. Superior technical skills.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and Adobe Photoshop. Ability and willingness to become proficient with The Museum System (TMS) database and TMS Conservation Studio.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Experience working in a museum environment and knowledge of museum conservation practice. Two years of experience at the assistant level or five years of experience at the associate level Knowledge of preventive conservation methods and practices and familiarity with analytical equipment.

Drug Screen

No

Health Screening

No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The University maintains policies pertaining to COVID-19. All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies, which may be found here:

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

EEO Statement:

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus