26-27 Fellowship in Book, Paper, or Photograph Conservation

Description:

The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA), a non-profit conservation laboratory located in Philadelphia, PA, is pleased to offer a twelve-month post-graduate fellowship in one of our specialties (book, paper, or photographic materials) beginning in September 2026. Note that fellows will be eligible to apply for a second year of fellowship.

The selected fellow will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of materials from historic to contemporary, and with a broad range of clients. We serve libraries and archives, fine-art collections belonging to museums, corporate clients and private collectors, small historical societies, and private clients. The fellow will work with experienced conservators and technicians in a collaborative environment. Research interests will be supported to develop a presentation, publication, or an internally presented paper. There may also be opportunities to participate in the lab’s on-site collection surveys, on-site treatment projects, and educational programs through our Preservation Services department.

Requirements:

The applicant should have a master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program with an emphasis in book, paper, or photo conservation. In addition to a salary of $48,500, the fellowship provides options for medical and dental insurance, paid leave, two weeks of research/professional development time, and an allowance of $2500 for research expenses, including travel and conference fees. (Note that Philadelphia has a 22%-55% lower cost of living compared to our eastern seaboard colleagues.) Interested applicants should prepare a cover letter, resume, three letters of professional reference, and three sample treatment reports with before and after treatment photodocumentation. Please submit your application and upload these as PDF attachments or include a link to your online portfolio in an uploaded PDF.

Questions about the fellowship or application process may be directed to Jessica Silverman, Director of Conservation, jsilverman@ccaha.org . Letters of reference may also be emailed directly to Jessica Silverman. Preference will be given to applications received by January 20.

About CCAHA:

CCAHA was founded in 1977 and has grown to be one of the largest nonprofit conservation centers in the country. Its wide array of services, innovative approaches, and highly trained and experienced staff have earned it a prominent and respected place in the conservation field. We serve nonprofit cultural institutions, private individuals, and other collecting organizations in the preservation of works on paper, archival documents, photographic materials, and books through conservation treatment, collection surveys and consultations, housing & framing, and digital imaging services. Our preventive conservation and preservation services staff focuses on capacity building for collecting institutions through fundraising support, strategic planning and assessment projects, emergency planning and response initiatives, and in developing educational programs and conferences. CCAHA’s mission is to provide expertise and leadership in the preservation of the world's cultural heritage.

CCAHA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff and for our clients.