The department of Conservation and Scientific Research is an integral part of the Museum’s stated purpose to hold its collections in trust for future generations. Members of the department promote the long-term preservation of artworks through development of conservation treatments, study of materials and techniques, scholarly research and documentation. The department follows internationally established standards to document and maintain the aesthetic and physical integrity of works of art through six conservation disciplines, an analytical facility, and close collaboration with collections management colleagues responsible for safe exhibition, storage, transport, and the collections database.

The Objects Conservation Lab, responsible for the preservation, examination, and treatment of three-dimensional objects and sculpture ranging from archaeological material to contemporary art, seeks a third-year conservation graduate intern, for up to one year starting September 13, 2024, to assist with condition assessment, photographic and written documentation, technical examination, and select scientific analysis. Intern will participate as an integral part of the conservation team in all aspects of the lab’s work, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of activities to further develop conservation skills, with opportunity for in-depth examinations and treatments, research related to the collections, and preventive conservation activities. Intern will be expected to carry out tasks in support of the day-to-day operations of the lab. Intern will be supervised by members of the Objects Conservation division, and may interact and collaborate with conservators from other disciplines, collections care specialists, and curators.

The intern must commit to work onsite 35 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters), from Sept 13, 2024 through Aug 22, 2025, including attendance at the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course on days to be announced at the orientation.

The intern will be paid at a rate of $19.00 per hour.

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution, ensuring that diversity, equity, and access are lived values, we actively encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions:

• Assisting in the conservation of works of art in the MFA’s collections
• Conducting and documenting examinations
• Undertaking research necessary to support conservation treatments
• Proposing treatments and executing treatments under supervision
• Preparing written and photographic documentation for exhibitions/loans
• Assisting with exhibitions, installations, preventive conservation, and the processing of loans
• Performing other duties as appropriate

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a recognized graduate art conservation training program with an internship requirement specializing in the conservation of three-dimensional objects
• Ability to work well in a team environment focused on learning conservation skills and techniques
• Excellent hand skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Previous museum experience desirable
• Facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database programs (training in use of the Museum’s database system will be provided)
• Ability to perform tasks in professional manner and with discretion when working with confidential records
• Ability to commit to work onsite 35 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters), from Sept 13, 2024 through Aug 22, 2025, including attendance at the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course on days to be announced at the orientation.
• Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 13, 2024, 10am-3:30pm.

How to Apply

*Applications not conforming to these guidelines will not be accepted nor considered.

1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document , (Word or PDF)
2. Upload the single document as your resume via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before February 9, 2024 .
3. *Additionally, one letter of recommendation is required and must be sent separately to conservation@mfa.org by the respective author indicating clearly the applicant’s name and the Objects Fall 2024 Internship position.
   1. Please contact conservation@mfa.org with any questions.

*Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season, and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document is required for each position.