Job Description

Assistant Conservation Scientist

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Assistant/Associate/ Conservation Scientist to join a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team committed to the care, interpretation, and study of the museum's diverse collection. This is a full-time position housed within the Conservation Department, where science is integrated into broader museum practice with a strong emphasis on curiosity, transparency, and shared responsibility.

The Assistant/Associate/ Conservation Scientist supports ongoing conservation treatments, acquisitions, and research projects through advanced scientific analysis, interpretive insight, and clear communication. Working alongside conservators, curators, collections staff, and educators, the scientist will contribute meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of works of art across cultures, time periods, and media.

What Were Looking For

• Is scientifically grounded, with expertise in conservation science, chemistry, or a related field, and values interpretation and context in a museum setting.
• Works collaboratively. This is a team-driven lab rooted in generosity of knowledge, time, and credit.
• Thrives in complexity, comfortably navigating both the analytical and passionate nuances of museum work.
• Sees conservation as a shared responsibility, working effectively across disciplines and job titles.
• Leads with humility and curiosity, fostering a culture of learning and mutual respect.
• Is values-driven, with integrity, empathy, and a respect for diverse lived experiences at the core of their approach.
• Understands that how we work mattersand that excellence should never come at the cost of well-being, equity, or kindness.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and conduct non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis using a range of techniques (e.g., SEM-EDS, XRF, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, GC-MS, PLM).
• Collaborate with curators and conservators to determine analytical priorities, develop methodologies, and interpret results within historical and material contexts.
• Manage daily lab operations including workflow, documentation, equipment care, and inventory within budget.
• Generate technical reports, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and present research at professional conferences.
• Maintain digital records and ensure proper archiving of data, images, samples, and reports.
• Supervise and mentor interns, fellows, or visiting researchers as applicable.
• Support educational and outreach efforts, including talks, tours, and public programming.
• Advise on preventive conservation strategies, environmental monitoring, and materials evaluation.
• Participate in departmental planning, professional development, and institutional initiatives including emergency preparedness and strategic projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum five years of applied scientific research experience in cultural heritage, preferably in a museum setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of materials used in works of art, degradation mechanisms, and conservation techniques.
• Advanced instrumental skills in analytical methods commonly used in heritage science.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications or public scholarship in conservation science or related disciplines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and share knowledge with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational, computational, and data management skills.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; manual dexterity required for handling delicate objects and instruments.
• Activities include standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, and climbing.
• Use of PPE as needed for chemical and analytical processes.

The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org

Compensation and Benefits

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 coverage through 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 provides a 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 contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution 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

Compensation

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description. The MFAH has set the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline and 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, and alignment with market data, and any related regulations or other laws.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be 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.

1. Visit the MFAH Careers page at
2. Click on All current employment opportunities
3. Scroll through the listings to find this role.
4. Click and apply! It's that easy.

About the MFAH Conservation Environment

The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is home to 21 diverse and highly skilled team of conservation professionals dedicated to the preservation and study of the museum's encyclopedic collection. The staff includes specialists in paintings, paper, photo, science, sculpture and objects, textiles, time-based media art, as well as imaging specialist, conservation technicians, matting and framing technicians, fellows, and interns. We care for an encyclopedic collection, which includes almost 80,000 objects

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