Assistant Book Conservator

The Morgan Library & Museum invites applications for the position of Assistant Book Conservator. The successful candidate will join a small department of experienced conservators and preparators who care for the Morgan's exceptional and varied collections, including ancient papyri, manuscripts on paper and  parchment, photographs, master drawings and prints, modern and contemporary drawings and prints; rare bound materials including manuscripts, printed books, sketchbooks and albums. Working collegially across many departments, the Assistant Book Conservator will support the Morgan's mission to preserve, interpret and develop its collections, while making them accessible to a broad and diverse audience.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Sherman Fairchild Head of Conservation, and working closely with the Drue Heinz Book Conservator and other conservation staff, the Assistant Book Conservator is responsible primarily for the examination, documentation, technical study, and treatment of rare books and manuscripts on paper and parchment, as well as bindings and binding structures, following the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. They will also participate in preventive conservation activities promoting safe housing, storage, handling, imaging and display of collection materials. Professional participation, research, publication, and outreach activities are encouraged, in the context of an active institutional program of exhibitions and loans. With other departmental colleagues, the incumbent will guide and facilitate the work of students, interns and post-graduate fellows. The position may involve courier travel by air and/or truck, up to several times per year.

Graduate degree (M.A., M.S.) from an established university program in conservation or equivalent training and experience, plus a minimum of 2 years post-graduate work experience in the conservation of rare books, manuscripts and bindings.

Knowledge and experience of a range of simple and complex treatment options for bound materials; ability to execute appropriate treatments with accuracy and precision, as demonstrated by a portfolio. 

Keen observational skills, applied to the understanding and interpretation of rare books and bindings, their techniques and working methods, and the effects of past and present conservation treatments.

Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of paper, parchment, leather and other binding materials, as well as the materials used to treat them; awareness of analytical or other techniques for identifying these materials and/or determining changes in them.

Familiarity with digital, spectral, and other technical imaging as used in the study of historical artifacts and documentation of conservation treatments; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Bridge and processing or RAW image files.

Proficiency with Windows environment (especially Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint); ability to learn and use the Morgan's collections and information systems (Voyager, The Museum System/TMS)

Understanding of and adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice, including written and photographic documentation

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; commitment to collegial and collaborative work across departments; demonstrated interest in professional participation and outreach

Ability to work on concurrent interdepartmental projects such as exhibitions, loans and imaging initiatives, managing priorities to meet project deadlines; flexible and creative approach to problem solving; ability  to work cooperatively or independently as needed.

Physical requirements:

Excellent level of manual dexterity and visual acuity.

Ability to work standing as needed for successful completion of conservation treatments. 

Ability to use appropriate PPE to protect against moderate levels of dust, mold or chemicals used in treatment.

Compensation: $71,000 annually. Excellent benefits plan.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and names of three references.  Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to share a digital portfolio of treatments and/or research projects. 

Applications received by November 7, 2025 will be given priority consideration

Start date: January 2026

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States

Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs.

Important to note:

Vaccination Requirement

To ensure the overall health and safety of the Morgan Library & Museum campus and in accordance with New York City requirements, all newly hired employees of the Morgan are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with applicable laws.

EEO Statement
The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.