Fellowship in Time-Based Media Conservation

Description

The Conservation Department at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is accepting applications for a Lunder Conservation Fellowship in time-based media conservation. The Lunder Conservation Fellowship provides the opportunity to further refine examination and treatment skills and to pursue collection-based research. The fellow will gain experience working in a collaborative museum environment, which has access to the resources at the Museum Conservation Institute and the larger Smithsonian research community.

The fellow will be encouraged to pursue avenues of research related to technical art history as well as aspects of conservation theory and ethics related to conservation treatments. A primary mission of the Lunder Conservation Center is to serve the professional and public communities through outreach, thus we especially encourage those interested in the communication of conservation practices and research to apply. The Lunder Conservation Fellow will have the opportunity to plan a professional outreach activity and to participate in some of the routine activities of the Lunder Conservation Center as part of their professional development.

The fellow’s own interests will help dictate the selection of time-based media artworks to be treated and a research direction. Candidates are encouraged to reach out to Lunder Conservation Center staff in advance of submitting an application to discuss potential research directions and potential treatments.

The fellowship is open to U.S. and international citizens who have a Master’s degree in conservation from a recognized conservation training program, or a Master’s degree in a related field, such as audiovisual archiving and preservation, information science, computer science, or other field that can be sufficiently demonstrated to prepare one for the care of media art. Candidates must have proficient English language skills (written and spoken).

The Lunder Conservation Fellowship includes a stipend of $32,700 and a research allowance of $3,300. The fellowship is to begin in October 2018 and run for a term of 12 months. Applications will be evaluated on the quality of the proposed research project; its compatibility with Smithsonian collections, facilities, staff, and programs; and the applicant's academic standing, scholarly qualifications, and experience. Fellowships are open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, parental status, marital status, or sexual orientation.

To apply, please submit a statement of interest, a C.V., and two letters of recommendation to Amber Kerr by emailing DWRCLunder@si.edu with “2018 Lunder Conservation Fellowship Application” in the subject line. The deadline for application materials is June 30, 2018. Interviews will be conducted by phone in June with a final decision anticipated by mid-July.

Amber Kerr, Acting Chief of Conservation

Lunder Conservation Center