Job Description

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, responsible for the preservation, examination, and treatment of three-dimensional objects and sculpture ranging from archaeological material to contemporary art, seeks a third-year conservation graduate intern, for one year starting September 11, 2026, to assist with condition assessment, photographic and written documentation, technical examination, and select scientific analysis. The intern will participate as an integral part of the conservation team in all aspects of the lab's work, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of activities to further develop conservation skills, with opportunity for in-depth examinations and treatments, research related to the collections, and preventive conservation activities. The intern will be expected to carry out tasks in support of the day-to-day operations of the lab. The intern will be supervised by members of the Objects Conservation division and may interact and collaborate with conservators from other disciplines, collections care specialists, and curators.

Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 35 hours weekly, mostly within 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, for one year starting September 11, 2026 . Additionally, intern must attend orientation on Friday, September 11 (10am-3:30pm), and the required professional development sessions (dates to be announced, typically 1-2 hours weekly).

The intern will be paid at a rate of $19.95 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy. Interns will also receive a one-time $1,500 housing subsidy if internship period spans summer of 2027. (Both subsidies are subject to taxes.) This graduate internship is eligible for paid time off including sick, vacation, personal, and holiday time.

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 the conservation of works of art in the MFA's collections.
• Conduct and document examinations.
• Undertake research necessary to support conservation treatments.
• Propose treatments and execute treatments under supervision.
• Prepare written and photographic documentation for exhibitions/loans.
• Assist with exhibitions, installations, preventive conservation, and the processing of loans.
• Perform other duties as appropriate.
• Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museums in Context professional development course.

Required Qualifications :

• Graduate student enrolled during internship period (or recently graduated within one year prior to start of internship), in/from a recognized art conservation training program with an internship requirement specializing in the conservation of three-dimensional objects.
• Ability to work well in a team environment focused on learning conservation skills and techniques.
• Excellent hand skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Previous museum experience desirable
• Facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database programs (training in use of the Museum's database system will be provided)
• Ability to perform tasks in professional manner and with discretion when working with confidential records.
• Ability to commit to work onsite 5 days per week (mostly within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters) for one year starting September 11, 2026, including required professional development sessions 1-2 hours per week.
• Ability to attend orientation on Friday, September 11, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm

How to Apply :

• DO NOT INCLUDE any document 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. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone
2. Save your document file as LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2026
3. Upload the single document as your resume via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before December 19, 2025.
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. 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 Objects Conservation Fall 2026 Internship position in the subject line. Please contact conservation@mfa.org with any questions.
6. Direct any/all questions to intern@mfa.org before submitting your application.

Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible - and not considered .

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Summer work, Internship, Immediate start, Monday to Friday,

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