Conservator, Photography

Conservator, Photography M+ is a museum dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting visual art, design and architecture, moving image, and Hong Kong visual culture of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Located in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon, it is one of the leading museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world. The M+ Conservation and Research Department focuses on the preservation and long‑term care of a diverse collection of twentieth‑ and twenty‑first‑century visual culture, including design, architecture, moving image, and visual art. It is housed in a state‑of‑the‑art facility spanning 1,600 sqm with specialised conservation studios and laboratories. This is a fixed‑term contract position of 2 years with the possibility for renewal subject to organisational needs and individual performance. Reporting to the Senior Conservator, you will be an integral part of a growing conservation team, setting up guidelines for the adequate development of preservation and conservation activities within M+. Responsibilities Contribute to the preservation and display of the M+ Collection through examination, documentation, treatment, display, preventive care, research, and outreach. Examine and document archival and fine‑art photographic materials, produce imaging, condition reports and treatment proposals, and advise on acquisitions and loans. Plan and perform conservation treatments and preparation for display, document treatments in the Museum Collections Management System. Support preventive care of the photographic collection by advising on environmental recommendations for storage, display, and shipping, and implementing maintenance protocols. Lead the photographic cold‑storage and acclimatization study, working closely with collection registrars and implementing procedures, protocols and workflows. Conduct specialised research on materials and techniques, investigate degradation processes, treatment options and efficacy of treatments. Participate in collaborative conservation/preservation efforts with other departments, developing guidelines for handling, storage, display, shipping, installation and sustainability. Ensure high‑standard conservation elements such as mount making, environmental monitoring, IPM, emergency preparedness and procurement of laboratory supplies. Communicate on conservation topics, report research results through publications or presentations, in agreement with the Senior Conservator. Keep current on state‑of‑the‑art conservation and preservation methods by reading literature, attending seminars and training. Advise and train staff in best practices for the care, handling, display, storage, packing and shipping of photographic works, and supervise conservation volunteers or interns as required. Perform any other duties reasonably assigned by the Authority. Qualifications Master’s degree from a recognised conservation training programme with a specialisation in photographic materials. At least 5 years of practical postgraduate experience working on photography conservation, with substantial knowledge of traditional and recent photography techniques; institutional/museum experience preferred. Proven experience treating and documenting a wide range of works to a high standard with full consideration of practical and ethical issues. Ability to provide specialist advice on storage, transport and installation of works for display. Knowledge or interest in modern and contemporary art conservation, including ethics, theory, materials and techniques. Awareness of reproduction practices as a conservation strategy preferred. Expertise in diverse conservation techniques and theories; familiarity with cultural materials in Southeast Asia advantageous. Innovative, enthusiastic team player with strong critical thinking and applied problem‑solving skills. Ability to work in a fast‑paced, continuously challenging environment. Proficient in MS Windows and/or Apple OS platform. Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills in English and preferably in Chinese. Application Deadline Submit your application with detailed CV by 24‑12‑2025. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. #J-18808-Ljbffr