Samuel H Kress Fellow in Painting Conservation

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Samuel H. Kress Fellow in Paintings Conservation

The Worcester Art Museum seeks recent master’s-level graduates in art conservation for the Samuel H. Kress Fellow in Paintings Conservation. This immersive, year-long fellowship is designed for a conservator at an early professional stage who is ready to transition from graduate training into sustained, hands-on museum practice. Working closely with a project team of paintings conservators and curators, the Fellow will play a central role in the technical study, documentation, and conservation treatment of early European gold-ground paintings for an upcoming exhibition.

This position emphasizes meaningful responsibility within a focused project. The Fellow will be expected to work both collaboratively and independently on a day-to-day basis while benefiting from regular mentorship, consultation, and ethical oversight. The fellowship offers the opportunity to build professional judgment, deepen technical skills, and contribute directly to an exhibition in which conservation research meaningfully informs curatorial interpretation and public engagement.

Position Overview

Under the direction of the George F. and Sibyl H. Fuller Conservator in Charge, the Samuel H. Kress Fellow will assist with all aspects of the exhibition project. Responsibilities include examining and documenting paintings, conducting technical imaging and research, and carrying out conservation treatments in accordance with professional standards and the AIC Code of Ethics. The Fellow will collaborate closely with conservation and curatorial colleagues and contribute to project coordination, documentation workflows, and the synthesis of research findings across multiple artworks.

The position involves sustained, detailed engagement with the paintings in the project, including condition assessment, treatment planning and execution, imaging, and archival and technical research. The Fellow will also contribute to broader departmental activities as appropriate, including advising on handling, storage, installation, and transit, and may serve as a courier for works on loan. Research and technical findings generated through the fellowship will support exhibition interpretation and outreach activities. In addition, this position provides opportunities for research travel, professional development, and support toward professional memberships. These resources are intended to enhance the Fellow's growth, facilitate networking within the conservation community, and expand access to specialized training and conferences.

Grant Eligibility Requirements

This position is generously supported by a grant from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a recent graduate of a master’s-level conservation training program in the United States or Canada, or
• Be a U.S. citizen who has completed a comparable master’s-level conservation training program outside North America.

Position Title: Samuel H. Kress Fellow in Paintings Conservation

Employment Type: Temporary, Full Time, Exempt

Fellowship Term: 12 Months

Department: Conservation

Division: Curatorial

Reports to: George F. and Sibyl H. Fuller Conservator in Charge

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Salary Range: $55,000 Annual Salary

Requirements:

Key Requirements

• A master’s degree in paintings conservation or a closely related conservation specialty from a recognized training program.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out conservation documentation, technical study, and treatment with care, precision, and ethical awareness.
• Strong observational skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to maintain clear and accurate written and visual records.
• Ability to engage with scholarly research, synthesize information across multiple objects, and contribute meaningfully to collaborative project work within a team-based environment.
• Comfort working independently within a clearly structured project framework, with the ability to manage time across overlapping phases of research, documentation, and treatment.

About WAM

The Worcester Art Museum connects people, communities, and cultures through the experience of art. Our wide-ranging exhibitions tell global stories—from art made thousands of years ago to works being created today. The Museum’s collection of nearly 40,000 objects, assembled since its opening in 1898, provides a foundation to connect visitors of all ages with art, artists, and the ideas they spark. With strong ties to both our local community and the international art world, the Worcester Art Museum is an essential cultural venue for Central Massachusetts and beyond.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility at WAM: At WAM we are committed to building a diverse environment, one where staff feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. Please visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page to learn more.

The Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.