Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Suzanne Deal Booth Post-graduate Fellowship in Conservation (Photo or Paper) at Harry Ransom Center 2. Survey on conservation of lacquers (Asian, European, Latin American) 3. RE: Ventilation Holes in Archive Boxes 4. Extended Deadline: Assistant/ Associate Paper Conservator , The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Diana Díaz-Cañas Posted: Wednesday November 26, 2025 6:36 AM Subject: Suzanne Deal Booth Post-graduate Fellowship in Conservation (Photo or Paper) at Harry Ransom Center Message: Dear Colleagues, The Harry Ransom Center's Preservation and Conservation Division announces an opening for the Suzanne Deal Booth Post-graduate Fellowship in Conservation, with a focus in Photograph or Paper Conservation. This fellowship is a temporary, two-year, full-time position. This position is 40 hours/week, receives full health and retirement benefits, and considerable time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Generous funding for professional development is provided. General Notes Application review will begin on January 20, 2026. Salary Range $52,000, plus benefits and professional development support ($3,500) Required Materials Resume/CV 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor Letter of interest Link to View Details and Apply: Suzanne Deal Booth Post-graduate Fellowship in Conservation at Harry Ransom Center <https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstaff/job/UT-MAIN-CAMPUS/Suzanne-Deal-Booth-Post-graduate-Fellowship-in-Book--Paper-or-Photograph-Conservation_R_00043252> ------------------------------ Diana Díaz-Cañas Senior Conservator, Head of Photograph Conservation Harry Ransom Center Austin United States ------------------------------ 2.From: Stephanie Auffret Posted: Wednesday November 26, 2025 6:36 AM Subject: Survey on conservation of lacquers (Asian, European, Latin American) Message: Survey on conservation of lacquers (Asian, European, Latin American) This survey is part of a Getty Conservation Institute project on research in conservation of lacquers, inclusive of lacquers from Asia, Europe and Latin America. Your participation to this survey will help us to identify research and training needs in this field internationally. We thank you for your time and for the valuable insights you will share with us. We estimate it should take 15 to 30 minutes to answer all questions in this survey. Deadline is December 24, 2025. It is available in 4 languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lacquers_English <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lacquers_English> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lacquers_Japanese <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lacquers_Japanese> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lacquers_Chinese <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lacquers_Chinese> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lacquers_Spanish <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lacquers_Spanish> Thank you for your time and participation! Stphanie Auffret Stphanie Auffret, PhD Senior Project Specialist, GCI Collections Getty Conservation Institute T (310) 440 6712 | getty.edu <http://getty.edu/> 3.From: Gabrielle Beentjes Posted: Wednesday November 26, 2025 11:50 AM Subject: RE: Ventilation Holes in Archive Boxes Message: Dear Emily, In the Netherlands (almost) all archival boxes have similar ventilation holes in them. The reason for this is twofold: 1. To prevent a microclimate happening: because air can flow in and out of the box freely, and is therefore to some extent moving, it helps preventing mould germination and growth. 2. Possible culmination of gasses emitting from the archival documents, such as acetic acid, is prevented. These gasses are known to catalyse paper degradation processes. In our case the design of the boxes and placement of the hole in the box also helps checking if the box is properly filled, i.e. not too empty with the risk of deforming documents. And it is a practical help when taking the box of the shelf, as it provides a bit of grip when the shelf is full with boxes. ------------------------------ Gabrielle Beentjes Senior Conservation Specialist Nationaal Archief Den Haag Netherlands ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11-24-2025 08:05 From: Emily Mullin Subject: Ventilation Holes in Archive Boxes Hi all! I have just started a new job as conservator at a county archive in the UK. All the archive boxes they are using here have 'ventilation holes' in them, please see images attached. I had never seen this before coming here and was told it was to stop a microclimate from forming. The holes in my option defeats many of the benefits boxes give in protecting the archival material within. My plan therefore going forward is to be ordering boxes without holes in them. I was wondering if anyone else had ever come across this as an archival practice before or can think of any positives? ------------------------------ Emily Mullin Book and Paper Conservation Student City & Guilds of London Art School London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 4.From: Per Knutås Posted: Wednesday November 26, 2025 4:12 PM Subject: Extended Deadline: Assistant/ Associate Paper Conservator , The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Message: Assistant/ Associate PaperConservator The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Assistant/ Associate Paper Conservator to join our growing Department of Conservation. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a vibrant team dedicated to the preservation, study, and care of the museum's paper-based collections, encompassing European, North American, South American, Islamic, Indian, and South Asian works on paper and parchment. The Paper Conservator will be part of a 21-member full-time staff, including conservators, conservation scientist, imaging specialist, technicians, framers, and administrative support, as well as interns, fellows, and volunteers who contribute to the department's mission of care, scholarship, and teaching. The MFAH Conservation Department is housed within the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Center for Conservation, a 34,000-square-foot facility completed in 2018. The Center is home to laboratories for Paper, Paintings, Photography, Sculpture and Objects, Arts and Furniture, Historic Frames, and Conservation Science, as well as imaging and conservation preparatory studios - providing state-of-the-art resources for collaborative, cross-disciplinary work. What We're Looking For We're seeking someone who: Is scientifically grounded and artistically attuned. You bring technical depth in paper conservation and a curiosity about materials, processes, and cultural context. Works collaboratively. This is a team-driven lab rooted in the generosity of knowledge, time, and credit. Thrives in complexity. You are comfortable balancing analytical precision with interpretive insight across diverse collections and projects. Sees conservation as a shared responsibility. You work seamlessly across departments - with curators, preparators, registrars, and scientists - to care for the museum's art. Leads with humility and curiosity. You value learning, mentorship, and inclusive dialogue as part of your daily practice. Is values-driven. Integrity, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives guide your decision-making. Understands that how we work matters. Excellence should never come at the cost of well-being, equity, or kindness. Key Responsibilities In this role, you will: Examine, document, and treat works on paper in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. Assess the condition of artworks, recommend treatment, and perform conservation treatments for the museum's collection and loans. Participate in preservation activities, including exhibition preparation, installation, and environmental monitoring. Collaborate with colleagues across the museum on preventive conservation strategies and collection care initiatives. Evaluate and track loan requests, ensuring the highest standards of conservation oversight. Contribute to departmental and museum-wide research, scholarship, and outreach. Participate in professional development, conferences, and public engagement opportunities that support the advancement of the conservation field. Qualifications Bachelor's degree and completion of a graduate-level program in conservation with specialization in paper conservation, or equivalent education and training. Minimum 2 years post-graduate experience (Assistant) 5 years post-graduate experience (Associate) in the conservation of paper-based materials, preferably in a museum or library setting. Familiarity with the range of materials represented in the MFAH's paper-based collections. Knowledge of museum best practices and collections management. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation abilities. Proficiency with databases and digital tools used in conservation documentation. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a diverse and multidisciplinary environment. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and ethical standards in all aspects of conservation work. Why Join Us At MFAH, conservation is about sustaining both the art and the human stories it carries. As a Paper Conservator, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation and understanding of a world-class collection while working in an environment that values curiosity, generosity, and mutual respect. The department's interdisciplinary structure and commitment to collaboration provide fertile ground for research, innovation, and professional growth. Compensation and Benefits Assistant Conservator $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 Associate Conservator $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 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 coveragethrough 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 providesa 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 members contributing to the plan may receive a matching contribution of up to 5% 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 The MFAH has established the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline, 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, alignment with market data, and any related regulations or other laws. How to Apply EXTENDED DEADLINE DECEMBER 12, 2025 Qualified applicants should apply online, as this is the most effective way to ensure consideration. Application materials should include: CV or rsum 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 https://www.mfah.org/about/careers/ <https://www.mfah.org/about/careers/> 1. Click onAll current employment opportunities 2. Scroll through the listings to find this role. 3. Click and apply! 4. It's that easy. Per Knuts Chairman, Department of Conservation Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation MFAH | The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston P.O. Box 6826 Houston, TX 77265 Tel: +1 (713) 639-7736 | [email protected] <[email protected]> <https://www.instagram.com/mfahouston> <https://twitter.com/mfah> <https://www.facebook.com/mfah.org/> <http://www.mfah.org/> You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to https://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
