Chinese Paintings Conservation Graduate Intern (Spr -Summer ’27)

Job Type: Location Type: Not Specified

 

The department of Conservation and Scientific Research is an integral part of the Museum’s stated purpose to hold its collections in trust for future generations. Members of the department promote the long-term preservation of artworks through development of conservation treatments, study of materials and techniques, scholarly research and documentation. The department follows internationally established standards to document and maintain the aesthetic and physical integrity of works of art through six conservation disciplines, an analytical facility, and close collaboration with collections management colleagues responsible for safe exhibition, storage, transport, and the collections database.

The Chinese paintings division of the Asian Conservation Studio seeks a conservation graduate intern, for a 6-month period starting spring 2027, to be fully integrated as part of the conservation team, which is responsible for the care, documentation, and treatment of all Chinese paintings and calligraphies in traditional mounting formats and must also support a very active schedule of installations, exhibitions, and loans. Intern will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the Studio’s work, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a busy conservation studio, including experience in exhibition preparation, communication between different departments, use of the MFA’s database system, as well as handling, housing, documentation, examination, treatment proposals, and execution of treatments for Chinese works in traditional formats. Intern will take on work appropriate to their abilities and also undertake projects chosen to further develop conservation skills. Activities will mostly involve Chinese artworks with one project focused on Korean paintings mounted in a Japanese scroll format. Intern will be expected to carry out tasks in support of the functions and operations of the Studio. Intern will be supervised by the Cornelius Van der Starr Conservator of Chinese Paintings and will interact and collaborate with conservators from other disciplines, collections care specialists, and curators.

Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 35 hours weekly, mostly within 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, for 6 months starting January 22, 2027. Additionally, intern must attend orientation on Friday, January 22 (10am-3:30pm), and 3-5 professional development courses typically 2 hours per week. (Dates to be announced during orientation.)

The intern will be paid at a rate of $19.95 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy. Intern will also receive a one-time $1,500 housing subsidy paid in two equal payments if internship period spans summer of 2027. (Both subsidies are subject to taxes.)

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution, ensuring that diversity, equity, and access are lived values, we actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in the conservation of works of art in the MFA’s collections.
• Conduct and document examinations.
• Undertake research necessary to support conservation treatments.
• Execute treatments under supervision of staff conservators.
• Prepare written and photographic documentation for exhibitions/loans.
• Assist with exhibitions, installations, preventive conservation, and the processing of loans.
• Perform other duties as appropriate.
• Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museums in Context professional development course.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Recent graduate (within one year prior to start of internship) or graduate student enrolled during internship period in a recognized art conservation training program with basic conservation knowledge in ethics and theory.
• Experience with 1-2 Asian paper or paintings conservation projects preferred (please provide portfolio)
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent hand skills
• Facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database programs (training in use of the Museum’s database system will be provided)
• Ability to perform tasks in professional manner and with discretion when working with confidential records.
• Ability to commit to work onsite 5 days per week (mostly within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters) for one year starting January 22, 2027, including joining in Museums in Context professional development courses 1-2 hours per week.
• Ability to attend orientation on Friday, January 22, 2027, 10am to 3:30pm

How to Apply:

Do NOT include any document (e.g., transcripts, writing samples, or even recommendations) that is not specifically requested in the description. DO NOT INCLUDE your photo in your resume or cover letter. Explicitly follow these instructions as printed.

1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following:

a. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)

b. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals

c. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship

d. any periods when you are not available for an interview

e. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone

2. Save your document file as LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Spring2027

3. Upload the single document as your resume via the employment portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before July 31, 2026.

4. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position.

5. Provide access to your portfolio by noting the URL in the cover letter or uploading as a separate document.

6. Additionally, one letter of recommendation is required and must be sent separately by the author to conservation@mfa.org, clearly indicating the applicant’s name and the Chinese Paintings Conservation Internship position. Please direct questions to conservation@mfa.org.