Conservator, Special Collections

Under the general direction of the Conservation Librarian, the Special Collections Conservator will manage and execute the conservation and rehousing of a collection of Spanish Civil War Posters. This project aims to conserve the posters and publish high-quality digital images of them for physical and online access. This position will report to the Conservation Librarian, and work closely with colleagues in the Barbara Goldsmith Preservation & Conservation Department, Special Collections, Archival Collections Management, and Digital Library Technical Services.

Works cooperatively or independently as needed as part of the Special Collections Conservation Unit in the Barbara Goldsmith Preservation & Conservation Department in New York University's Elmer Holmes Bobst Library. Examines and researches the posters to identify media and method of manufacture; determines treatment needs, appropriate housing, and handling guidelines based on current conservation standards and ethics; completes accurate written and digital documentation; executes conservation treatments and rehousing; assists with handling for digitization and storage; and prepares deliverables for outreach and dissemination of this project. Establishes priorities in consultation with the Conservation Librarian and meets the deadlines set for this project. As part of the Special Collections Conservation Unit, participates in disaster preparedness, response and recovery, training of student employees, outreach efforts, lab organization, and maintenance.

This is a twenty-four (24) month full-time professional position starting in September 2025; employment must begin by September 15, 2025. The attractive benefits package includes paid time off, health insurance, work-life benefits, and $5,000 each year of professional development funds.

Required Education:
Graduate degree from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in paper conservation, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required Experience:
Demonstrated experience working with rare/special collection materials.

Preferred Experience:
1+ years Professional (post-degree) conservation treatment experience focusing on works on paper and/or archival materials; post-graduate fellowships included. Professional conservation experience in a research library, museum, or similar setting. Demonstrated experience managing conservation projects. Experience supervising interns and/or employees.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of current paper conservation techniques, history of papermaking, chemistry as it applies to the conservation of works on paper, and optimal collection housings and storage environments. Excellent conservation documentation skills. Commitment to professional conservation principles and ethical standards as defined by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. Proficiency in using digital photographic conservation documentation equipment. Comfortable using a database for written conservation documentation.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of or interest in printmaking techniques and 20th-century printed materials. Interest in contributing to the profession through teaching, research, outreach, and/or publication.

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is USD $72,000.00 to USD $88,000.00. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, clinical compensation, or other items.

NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/nyugreen.