Collections Care Pre-Program Intern

Location Type: On-site

 

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 Objects Conservation Lab seeks an undergraduate intern, for the fall 2025 semester, to assist with the creation of archival storage mounts for a collection of Asian artworks. Intern will take part in condition assessment, documentation, object handling, and archival storage box construction. The hands-on experience in rehousing projects is ideal for a student exploring a possible career in conservation and/or preparing for application to a conservation graduate program. Supervised by members of the Objects Lab, which is responsible for the preventive care, documentation, treatment and display of 3D artworks from all cultures and time periods at the MFA, intern will also have opportunity to participate in other activities that offer valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of the lab. Intern will be expected to perform tasks in support of collections care and conservation procedures.

Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 10-12 hours weekly, mostly within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters), from Sept 12, through Dec 12, 2025, including attendance at the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, and Dec 5.

The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy. (The subsidy is 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 traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in planning for and creating appropriate archival storage boxes for Asian objects, including a collection of 140 Japanese Noh masks and Islamic artworks
• Participate in various conservation and collections care activities, including written and photographic documentation of artwork condition and gallery cleaning
• Perform other duties as appropriate
• *Prepare and offer a 3-5 minute final synoptic presentation of the internship on Fri, Dec 5, as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Undergraduate student enrolled during internship period at an accredited institution of higher learning or recent graduate (graduated within one year from start of internship), in a relevant field of study and pursuing a career in museums
• Ability to take instructions well and work independently
• Good hand skills
• Attention to detail
• Previous art handling experience desirable
• Knowledge of Asian art desirable
• Ability to perform tasks in professional manner and with discretion when working with confidential records
• *One letter of recommendation is required and must be sent separately by the author to conservation@mfa.org, with the applicant’s name and “Collections Care Fall 2025 Internship” as the subject line
• Ability to commit to work onsite 10-12 hours per week (within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters) between September 12, and December 12, 2025, including joining in Museum Pathways and Practices professional development courses 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sep 19, Sep 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 1, Dec 5
• Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 12, 2025, 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 within this description.

1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following:
   1. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
   2. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
   3. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship
   4. any periods when you are not available for an in-person interview
   5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone

2. Save your document file as LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2025

3. Upload the single document as your resume via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before August 11, 2025.

1. Additionally, one letter of recommendation is required and must be sent separately by the author to conservation@mfa.org, indicating clearly the applicant’s name and the ‘Collections Care Fall 2025 Internship position’ in the subject line.
2. Please contact conservation@mfa.org with any questions.

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. Direct any/all questions to intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. . Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible.