With an endowment from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the National Gallery of Art is offering a fellowship in the objects conservation department. The three-year fellowship will commence in September 2025 and include a yearly stipend of $53,000, plus health benefits and $3,000 each year for travel and research. Fellows will receive transit benefits towards their commuting costs to and from the National Gallery.

Working under the guidance of the National Gallery’s conservators and scientists, the fellow will focus on two aspects: treatment of the collection and an approved research project that culminates in a publishable paper. The fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with conservators, scientists, and curators, and will also have access to the National Gallery’s collections and to advanced analytical instrumentation available in the scientific research department. Lectures, symposia, and informal discussions at the National Gallery contribute to the fellowship program.    

Eligibility

Candidates should be graduates from a recognized master’s program in conservation or have equivalent training. They should have no more than five years of work experience after graduation and a proven record of research and writing ability. Candidates must possess English-language skills.

Interested candidates must submit the following materials in English:

• Transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study (unofficial copies are acceptable)

• A curriculum vitae including basic biographical information and current and permanent addresses, telephone number, and a description of previous conservation experience and internships

• A statement of interest and intent (no more than two single-spaced pages) in applying for the fellowship

• Offprints/reprints in PDF format of publications and lectures

• Two letters of recommendation from conservation professionals familiar with the candidate’s work and one letter of personal reference (emailed directly to the address below)

Duties:

The duties of this position include the following:

• Properly installs works of art in all media utilizing proper installation techniques and incorporating proper aesthetic considerations under the direction of supervisors, conservators, design staff and curators. Works with registrars, conservators, curators and design staff to establish installation schedules.
• Assists with completing art movement sheets and documentation to help maintain collection management system.
• Prepares works of art as necessary for shipment, such as replacing backing boards, securely fitting in frames, outfitting with Plexiglas, or fitting into vitrines.
• Contacts conservators for condition report examinations.
• Packs works of art in all media on loan to or from the Gallery, applying the most advanced museum standards for packing techniques, using knowledge of materials appropriate for the safe crating or wrapping to endure the chosen mode of transportation.
• Performs driving duties with the Gallery’s art Sprinter or vans.
• Frequently acts as courier for art works entering or leaving the Gallery and is at times the sole spokesperson and representative of the Gallery.
• Acts as host to visiting couriers, assuring that their immediate needs are addressed to make their visit to the Gallery pleasant and fulfilling.
• Works with freight forwarding and customs personnel while supervising the unloading, handling, and loading of works of art.

File naming convention for submissions:

Last Name_First Name_Document type (e.g., Transcripts)_Date (Year-Month-Day)

Formal applications and supporting materials must be submitted in PDF format by email to cl@nga.gov and arrive at the National Gallery no later than January 17, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the decision by the end of February 2025.

The fellowship may begin on or after September 22, 2025 and will end September 22, 2028.

For inquiries, please contact:

Tyrese Davis, Conservation Administrator

cl@nga.gov