Assistant Conservation Scientist

Assistant Conservation Scientist Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - 3.3 Houston, TX Job Details Full-time Estimated: $65.6K - $80.8K a year 15 hours ago Benefits Commuter assistance AD&D insurance Paid holidays Disability insurance Relocation assistance Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Dependent health insurance coverage Vision insurance Volunteer time off Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Doctoral degree Scientific research Laboratory experience Research Mid-level Spectroscopy Doctor of Chemistry Data management Doctor of Philosophy Physics Communication skills Under 1 year Product lifecycle management Full Job Description Position Summary The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Assistant/Associate/ Conservation Scientist to join a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team committed to the care, interpretation, and study of the museum's diverse collection. This is a full-time position housed within the Conservation Department, where science is integrated into broader museum practice with a strong emphasis on curiosity, transparency, and shared responsibility. The Assistant/Associate/ Conservation Scientist supports ongoing conservation treatments, acquisitions, and research projects through advanced scientific analysis, interpretive insight, and clear communication. Working alongside conservators, curators, collections staff, and educators, the scientist will contribute meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of works of art across cultures, time periods, and media. What We're Looking For We're seeking someone who: Is scientifically grounded , with expertise in conservation science, chemistry, or a related field, and values interpretation and context in a museum setting. Works collaboratively . This is a team-driven lab rooted in generosity of knowledge, time, and credit. Thrives in complexity , comfortably navigating both the analytical and passionate nuances of museum work. Sees conservation as a shared responsibility , working effectively across disciplines and job titles. Leads with humility and curiosity , fostering a culture of learning and mutual respect. Is values-driven , with integrity, empathy, and a respect for diverse lived experiences at the core of their approach. Understands that how we work matters and that excellence should never come at the cost of well-being, equity, or kindness. Primary Responsibilities Design and conduct non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis using a range of techniques (e.g., SEM-EDS, XRF, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, GC-MS, PLM). Collaborate with curators and conservators to determine analytical priorities, develop methodologies, and interpret results within historical and material contexts. Manage daily lab operations including workflow, documentation, equipment care, and inventory within budget. Generate technical reports, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and present research at professional conferences. Maintain digital records and ensure proper archiving of data, images, samples, and reports. Supervise and mentor interns, fellows, or visiting researchers as applicable. Support educational and outreach efforts, including talks, tours, and public programming. Advise on preventive conservation strategies, environmental monitoring, and materials evaluation. Participate in departmental planning, professional development, and institutional initiatives including emergency preparedness and strategic projects. Minimum Qualifications Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a closely related field. Minimum five years of applied scientific research experience in cultural heritage, preferably in a museum setting. Demonstrated knowledge of materials used in works of art, degradation mechanisms, and conservation techniques. Advanced instrumental skills in analytical methods commonly used in heritage science. A record of peer-reviewed publications or public scholarship in conservation science or related disciplines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and share knowledge with both technical and non-technical audiences. Strong organizational, computational, and data management skills. Legal eligibility to work in the United States. Work Environment & Physical Demands Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; manual dexterity required for handling delicate objects and instruments. Activities include standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, and climbing. Use of PPE as needed for chemical and analytical processes. The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: Compensation and Benefits Benefits The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes: Medical Insurance : Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs Dental Insurance : Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices Vision Insurance : Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role. Life Insurance & AD&D : Employee coverage at no cost to the employee Long Term Disability : Employee coverage at no cost to the employee The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories: Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days Holidays - Full-time employees receive eleven paid holidays per year Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer. Other Benefits Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. ( We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an accelerated employer match! ) Roth IRA also available! MFAH Membership - Staff receive a free Family-level membership Discounts - Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and courses for you or your family at the Glassell School of Art. Metro commuter subsidy available upon request Professional development support and museum membership Relocation assistance and research-related travel funds may be available Compensation Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description. The MFAH has set the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline and not a guarantee of the compensation amount or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, the needs and requirements expressed in the job description, as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data, and any related regulations or other laws. How to Apply Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration. Application materials should include: CV or resume Cover letter addressing your qualifications, interest in the position, and how your values align with the MFAH's mission Contact information for three professional references Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration. Visit the MFAH Careers page at - "Click" on All current employment opportunities Scroll through the listings to find this role. "Click" and apply! It's that easy. About the MFAH Conservation Environment The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is home to 21 diverse and highly skilled team of conservation professionals dedicated to the preservation and study of the museum's encyclopedic collection. The staff includes specialists in paintings, paper, photo, science, sculpture and objects, textiles, time-based media art, as well as imaging specialist, conservation technicians, matting and framing technicians, fellows, and interns. We care for an encyclopedic collection, which includes almost 80,000 objects and spans 5,000 years of achievement in the arts. Together, we bring a wide range of expertise in historical and contemporary materials, treatment methodologies, and preventive conservation. We have a collaborative spirit, with intellectual rigor, and commitment to ethical and inclusive practice, our team works closely with curators, educators, and scientists to advance cross-disciplinary research, public engagement, and innovative approaches to collections care. The Center fosters a supportive environment where mentorship, transparency, and continual learning are core values. We are proud to be one of the most diverse conservation laboratories in the U.S.and we approach that responsibility with care, respect, and determination. The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package. Working Conditions and Physical Demands Work will primarily be performed in an office environment. Work will involve extended sitting and computer use. With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will include: Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks. Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently. Extensive computer usage. Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others. Frequent sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and walking, which may be required for extended periods of time. Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities. Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; manual dexterity required for handling delicate objects and instruments. Use of PPE as needed for chemical and analytical processes. Equal Opportunities for All At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence. Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all. Research shows some individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.