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About the Role

The Department of Textile Conservation is responsible for the preservation, conservation, technical study, research, and installation of the Museum’s collection of approximately 36,000 textiles. This role will focus on assisting a Textile Conservator(s) in conservation treatment of an early seventeenth-century Mughal velvet carpet, conducting research on preservation techniques, and assisting with exhibition installations.

Responsibilities

Undertake a wide range of conservation procedures on specific textiles from The Met’s Islamic Art Department collection.
Assist in conservation treatment of an early seventeenth-century Mughal velvet carpet.
Conduct comprehensive research on traditional and innovative preservation techniques for fragile metal-thread components.
Assess the feasibility of removing tarnish and determine suitability of current methods for similar textiles.
Assist with installing textiles for exhibitions, examining them, and writing condition reports.
Perform laboratory maintenance and organizational tasks.
Examine, treat, and document assigned historic textiles in preparation for the Jahangir exhibition.
Devise conservation strategies for treatment and display.
Work on exhibitions under the guidance of other conservators, including examinations, writing condition reports, and participating in installations/deinstallations.
Prepare chemical solutions, consolidants, and adhesives for treatment.
Research new products and obtain product information.
Keep abreast of current professional literature and innovations related to cleaning metal thread.
Engage in collaboration with research groups developing green conservation technologies.
Prepare samples to conduct testing of materials and techniques for treating textiles with metal thread.
Analyze textile materials and their techniques using analytical techniques (microscopy, XRF, X-ray).
Use digital cameras and electronic resources for documentation.
Learn and use museum databases/digital documentation protocols.
Undertake other approved activities, which may involve travel.
Participate in the conservation community, including attending meetings.
Conduct IPM activities individually and as part of the team.
Adhere to recognized Standards for Preservation practices for textile artifacts.
Assist in the maintenance of the laboratory, including facilities, equipment, and supplies.
Prepare chemical reagents and solutions according to established safety procedures.
Contribute to departmental outreach efforts, including social media and Museum website content creation.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program with specialization in textile conservation.
Excellent hands-on skills and practical knowledge of various conservation stitching techniques.
Ability to conduct research independently, interpret findings, and apply them to improve textile condition.
Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve goals.
Knowledge of the use of microscopes and alternative analytical and diagnostic techniques such as Multi-band Imaging for complex examinations.
Substantial knowledge of the history of textiles, weaving technology and techniques, materials.
Demonstrated interest in works of art, their fabrication and history, art history, and aesthetic criteria in relation to conservation projects.
Interest in broadening knowledge of relevant fields by taking advantage of the Museum’s expertise and resources, and professional development opportunities.

Skills

Textile conservation
Conservation stitching techniques
Research
Data interpretation
Time management
Microscopy
Multi-band Imaging
Textile history
Weaving technology
Digital documentation
IPM activities

Location

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania (Tri-state and PA areas)

Work Type

Full-time
Onsite

Experience Level

Not specified

Education Level

Master's degree in conservation with textile specialization

Salary/Compensations

$72,000 - $74,000 / Annually

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan
Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account
Commuter benefits
Free financial-planning services
Financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs
25% discount for staff in Museum shops
A subsidized staff cafeteria
Access to the Museums Council pass

About the Company

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world.
The Museum is committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment with a staff as diverse as the audiences it engages.
The Met's core values are respect, inclusivity, collaboration, excellence, and integrity.

Equal Opportunity

The Met is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.
The Met will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions.