Job Description
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art welcomes applications for a two-year Andrew W. Mellon Postgraduate Fellowship in Costume and Textile Conservation, starting September 1, 2026, and ending August 31, 2028. As an integral member of the museum's Conservation staff, the Fellow will examine, conduct research, and perform treatments on diverse artworks in the museum collections. They will also engage in activities related to exhibitions, installations, loans, preventative care of the permanent collection, and professional and public outreach. The Fellow will collaborate closely with other museum staff to perform research and analysis to further understand materials, techniques, conditions, and/or the installation of artworks.
Specifically, you will: - Examine, document, conduct research, and perform treatment on textiles, costumes, and fiber art in the collections of Costume and Textiles, American, European, Asian, and Contemporary Art.
- Complete an approved research project of publishable quality.
- Participate in ongoing preservation activities to support preventive care for works of art on display and in storage, including integrated pest management.
- Participate as a member of the Conservation Division in a range of institutional initiatives and functions, as well as in professional and public engagement .
Your background and experience include: - Recent graduate/postgraduate degree from a recognized Art Conservation training program or equivalent training, with completion no more than five years prior to application for the fellowship.
- Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitude.
- Demonstrated proficiency in English language skills (written and spoken).
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Position and Compensation Details - The salary for this position is $44,546.
- This position is Full-Time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
- This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
- This position reports to The Penny and Bob Fox Senior Conservator of Costumes and Textiles
- This position is required to be performed fully onsite at Philadelphia Museum of Art locations.
- This is a two-year term position, ending August 31,2028
- Physical requirements:
- Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
- Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
Institutional Requirements - Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
- Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
- Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
- Maintains confidentiality.
- Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.
Application Timeline - Cover letter/Statement of interest
- Curriculum vitae
- Examination and treatment reports (including photographs) for two works of art.
- Contact information (name/title or affiliation, phone number, e-mail) for two professional references familiar with the candidate’s work
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.
What We Offer Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:
- Discounted guest tickets for admission
- Discounts on gift memberships
- Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
- Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
- Health savings or flexible spending account program
- Retirement savings program with museum match
- Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays
*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Flexible hours,