We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.  How You Will Contribute The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) invites applications for a two-year Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship in Scientific Research, which begins September 2025 and ends August 2027. The fellowship will provide the opportunity to gain working knowledge of and proficiency in the scientific research and instrumental analysis of cultural heritage materials within a museum setting. During the first year, the fellow will be introduced to the workings of the PMA, including those of the curatorial and conservation divisions. The fellow will be incorporated into the daily activities of the Department and will receive instruction on the proper usage of core analytical instruments (FTIR, Py-GCMS, Raman, SEM-EDS, and XRF).  In the second year, the fellow will develop original research focused on the PMA’s collections culminating in work of publishable quality. Specifically, you will: Technical + Under the supervision of the Senior Scientist and Scientist, undertake scientific research and analysis of the Museum’s collections for their preservation and scholarly interpretation. + Collaborate with conservators, curators, scientists, and educators at the Museum and elsewhere, regarding scientific, conservation, and art historical research. + Prepare and disseminate written reports of scientific findings to Museum staff, as appropriate. + Enhance scholarship by staying abreast of developments in scientific and conservation literature and fields. + Work to ensure a safe laboratory environment for occupants. Non-technical + Participate in tours and events for visitors and donors and fundraising events. + Help develop and maintain professional collaborations with academic and corporate laboratories to provide external support. + Perform educational outreach, e.g., lectures in chemistry or preservation programs, approved by the Senior Scientist. + Participate in professional organizations. + Ensure that appropriate skills and knowledge are developed and maintained through continuing education, training, and professional meetings. + Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Scientist. Your background and experience include:   + Recent graduate degree (PhD) in a physical science or related discipline. + May have supplemental conservation, fine arts, or art history degree. + Some experience in analytical techniques, such as FTIR, GC/MS, SEM/EDS, XRD, XRF, and related computer applications. + Excellent communication skills in speaking and writing (evidence required). + Ability to work and interact successfully with others in broad range of disciplines and positions, e.g., co-workers, students, and visiting scholars. + Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies. + Ability to work safely with laboratory chemicals and compressed gases. Position and Compensation Details   + The salary for this position is $55,000. + In addition to compensation and benefits, this position includes benefits and travel stipend for research and/or conferences. + This position is Full-Time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week. + This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit. + This position reports to the Senior Scientist. + This is a 2-year term position, beginning  September 2, 2025 and ending  August 31, 2027. + Physical requirements: + Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus + Ability to utilize instruments and computers required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical laboratory environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access all public and staff areas of the Museum campus, with or without accommodation. + Ability to move up to 20 pounds. + Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job. Institutional Requirements   + Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums. + Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest. + Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences. + Maintains confidentiality. + Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies. Application Timeline The Application Deadline for this position is March 1, 2025. Required Materials: + Completed application + Cover letter with statement of interest, specifying your interest in the PMA’s collection + Two confidential letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with candidate’s work and one personal reference mailed/emailed directly to: Dr. Kate Duffy, Conservation Division Philadelphia Museum of Art PO Box 7646 Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646 (kate.duffy@philamuseum.org) What We Offer Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:   + Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family + Discounted guest tickets for admission + Discounts on gift memberships + Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams + Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:   + Medical, dental, and vision benefits + Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance + Health savings or flexible spending account program + Retirement savings program with museum match + Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays *Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.   Powered by JazzHR