Associate Conservation Scientist

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers.

We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off

• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits

• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)

• Tuition Remission and Tuition Exchange Program

• Great employee discounts

• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Associate Conservation Scientists for Chicago IL location. Work closely with staff and fellows of the Conservation and Science department, and with other museum colleagues including curators and educators, to perform scientific analysis and research aimed at preserving, understanding, and interpreting objects in the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Perform analysis and research to support treatment and preservation of the collections and to contribute to the broader understanding of artists' materials and techniques in consultation with the Andrew W. Mellon Director, Scientific Research. Contributes to testing materials used in treatment, installation, and shipping of works of art.

Provides advice and conducts research on environmental issues. Operates and maintains the laboratory's analytical equipment and develops relationships with outside institutions to increase access to expertise and equipment. Prepares and maintains records of research and analysis in the department's files and the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system, in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards.

Contributes to lab maintenance and safety, including organization of samples and materials, updating chemical inventories, and researching and ordering supplies. Publishes results of research projects in Museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences. Travels to attend conferences, present papers and confer with colleagues.

Participates in tours, lectures, special events and other activities aimed at cultivating public engagement and philanthropic support for the museum and the department. Contributes to grant-writing activities in support of the department. Supervises or co-supervises fellows, interns and visiting scholars as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Ph.D. (or its equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Materials Science, or related field plus 3 years of experience in related occupations required. Requires 3 years of experience with: Mass spectrometry-based proteomics, Advanced instrumental techniques, Publications and presentations. 30% International Travel required.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

Salary Grade 8

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.