Position: Conservation Fellowship
Department: Preservation
Reports to: Special Collections Conservator
Job Opening ID: 33053
Northwestern University Libraries offer an advanced post-graduate conservation fellowship for a two-year appointment, September 1, 2018 - August 31, 2020. The conservation fellowship provides practical experience in a busy academic library conservation lab balancing treatment responsibilities with professional research activities. There will be the opportunity to gain bench experience, develop skills in treatment decision making, and research a topic of interest.
Northwestern University, established in 1851, is one of the leading private research universities in the United States with an enrollment of approximately 15,800 students. Northwestern University Libraries hold over 5 million volumes with collections of international standing in Music, Transportation, and African Studies. The Libraries’ conservation lab is located on the Evanston, Illinois campus just north of Chicago.
Description of Duties: Working under the supervision of the Special Collection Conservator, the Conservation Fellow evaluates and treats special collections materials. The Conservation Fellow performs a broad range of conservation treatments on rare books, manuscripts, prints, drawings, maps, and other unbound archival and special collections materials. Treatment includes the preparation of condition and treatment reports with an appropriate level of photo documentation. Anticipated projects for 2018-2020 include treatment of a William Blake book, Stjopka Collages, and a collection of caricatures related to the Siege of Paris (1870-1871).
The Conservation Fellow stays current with new developments in the field of library conservation and conducts research related to an area of interest. Topics may include treatment techniques, materials identification, or historical studies. Research should be of a quality that could result in a paper, poster, or presentation.
The Conservation Fellow may assist other professional staff in the department with surveys, preservation education and outreach initiatives, exhibits-related projects, and disaster response initiatives.
Qualifications: Master's degree in library science or associated field, with an emphasis on conservation training, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Knowledge of current conservation principles and practices, material science, and the history of bookbinding and conservation. Demonstrated ability to perform high-quality conservation treatments on special collections materials, primarily book and paper, and to communicate effectively about treatment options and decisions.
Salary: Annual stipend of $48,000 plus benefits. Northwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits plan, including health care and other benefits.
To apply: Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references, to
Job opening identification number is 33053. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to submit a portfolio of recent conservation treatments.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Employment eligibility verification is required upon hire.
