Project Conservator

Approximately five years of professional experience as an objects conservator is strongly preferred.

$61,500.00 - $66,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the

Benefits Guidebook

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Maintains the Conservation Laboratory, including the purchase of new equipment and supplies.

Operates microscopes and analytical instrumentation used in conservation research.

Performs necessary research activities to maintain the standards of the institution regarding conservation procedures.

Writes condition reports and performs other inspection documentation.

Ensures proper handling, maintenance, and return of pieces loaned to University museums.

Applies research and analysis pertaining to collections and external funding and participates in the selection of objects for exhibits.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind’s progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world’s leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC's collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC's centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is 'The University of Chicago.' The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Head Conservator and the Museum Director/Chief Curator, the Project Conservator will play a central role in a major grant-funded initiative to conserve and prepare the glazed brick façade from the Sin Temple at Khorsabad, Iraq (8th century BCE), one of the most significant architectural elements from the palace of Sargon II. The project focuses on the conservation, documentation, technical study, and long-term preservation of 282 glazed bricks excavated by the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) in 1933.

The Project Conservator will carry out conservation treatments, technical examination, and research while collaborating closely with curatorial, collections, registration, exhibitions, and academic staff. The position also supports ISAC's broader mission through scholarship, public engagement, grant activities, and the development of best practices in archaeological conservation.

This is a one-year, grant-funded position with the possibility of extension based on project needs and available funding.