Description

HEAD OF CONSERVATION 

We are seeking a Head Conservation.
This individual will be responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating preventive
conservation and restoration activities for artworks in the MASP's collection or under its
custody. Responsibilities include conducting collection diagnostics; defining risk management
programs and emergency planning related to the collection; developing conservation and
restoration guidelines; providing preventive conservation guidance to those responsible for
the museum's exhibitions; identifying, developing, managing, and executing restoration

projects with national and international partners; overseeing artworks in transit; defining roles
and responsibilities and managing the team of conservators; leading the drafting and/or
revision of conservation plans and procedures, identifying opportunities for continuous
process improvement.
Roles and Responsibilities
Preventive Conservation and Risk Management: Define preventive conservation parameters;
coordinate the monitoring of air conditioning and lighting; collaborate with other teams in risk
assessment and management and emergency planning; guide other teams to maintain ideal
storage and exhibition conditions, handling, packaging, and storage; offer technical assistance
to resolve conservation issues in museum galleries.
Conservation and Restoration: Lead the execution of collection diagnostics and surveys,
defining conservation and restoration priorities; coordinate the implementation of condition
assessments of artworks (for acquisitions, loans, exhibitions, etc.); define the necessary
scientific methods and analyses and systematize the interpretation of the results; perform
structural and/or aesthetic conservation and restoration interventions on artworks; prepare
proposals, dossiers, and comprehensive study and treatment reports.
Partnership Projects: Establish institutional and scientific partnerships (national and
international); recommend suitable professionals with the appropriate profile for each type of
artwork; draft and manage projects; administer and monitor ongoing treatments and guide the
most appropriate treatment method; ensure an exemplary level in the execution of
restorations of the collection's artworks.
Artwork Escorting/Couriering: Accompany collection artworks in transit (courier); provide
support to couriers from other institutions.
Conservation Standards: Develop and revise Conservation and Restoration policies, plans, and
procedures, ensuring their application in daily activities.
Team Management: Establish the professional profiles of the area's collaborators; define roles
and responsibilities; promote the continuous development of employees' skills and knowledge.

Requirements

Postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) in Conservation and Restoration of cultural heritage
with specialization in European painting restoration.
Experience in Conservation and Restoration, preferably in museums, including significant
research, publications, or other academic work, and expertise in restoration treatments.
Proven experience in team and process management.
Advanced knowledge in Conservation and Restoration of European painting. Desirable
knowledge in modern and contemporary art.
Advanced knowledge in scientific analysis in conservation (application and interpretation).
Advanced knowledge in Preventive Conservation (storage, packaging, transportation, risk
assessment and management, emergency planning, climate control, pest control).
Advanced knowledge of agents and processes of deterioration of cultural heritage.
Advanced knowledge of Art History of Technics and Materials.

Advanced knowledge in the History and Ethical Principles of Conservation and Restoration.
Advanced knowledge in the assessment of conservation conditions, and condition reports..
Advanced knowledge in project planning and management.
Specific knowledge in Conservation documentation.
General knowledge of preparation, framing, and mounting techniques for artworks.
Advanced knowledge of international Conservation and Restoration standards.
Advanced knowledge in Conservation Policies and Plans.
Familiarity with best practices in museum health and safety.
Office Suite: advanced;
Fluent English;
Intermediate Portuguese
Other languages: desirable.