Conservation Collections Care Pre-Program Intern

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 Objects Conservation Lab seeks an undergraduate intern, for spring 2026, 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, the intern will also have opportunity to participate in other activities that offer valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of the lab. The 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 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, between January 23 and April 24, 2026. Additionally, intern must attend orientation on Friday, January 23 (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development courses from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 13, Feb 20, Feb 27, Apr 3, Apr 10, Apr 17, and Apr 24.

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 and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in creating appropriate archival storage boxes for Asian objects, including a collection of 200 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-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development course.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program concurrent with the internship period at an accredited institution of higher learning in a relevant field of study and pursuing a career in museums. (Candidates who have graduated within one year prior to the start of the internship period are welcome to apply.)
• Proven ability to take instructions well and work independently.
• Demonstrated good hand skills.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Ability to commit to work onsite 10-12 hours per week (within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters) between January 23 and April 24, 2026, including joining in Museum Pathways and Practices professional development courses 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 13, Feb 20, Feb 27, Apr 3, Apr 10, Apr 17, and Apr 24
• Ability to attend orientation on Friday, January 23, 2026, 10am-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 includeall 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 interview.
   5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone call.
2. Save your document file as LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Spring2026
3. Upload the single document as your resume via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before December 3, 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 Spring 2026 Internship position in the subject line.
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. **For this internship, please contact conservation@mfa.org with any questions.

**Applications not aligning with these guidelines will not be considered.