Head, Conservation and Research (M+ Museum)

Job description

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 WestK, we are one of the leading museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world.

The museum reflects our unique time and place, building on Hong Kong's historic balance of the local and the international to define a distinctive and innovative voice for Asia's twenty- first century.

Conservation at M+ focuses on the preservation and long-term care of a diverse and unparallel collection of twentieth- and twenty-first-century visual culture, including design, architecture, moving image, and visual art.

The team employs contemporary conservation approaches to address the challenges of diverse materials and media, technology integration, and artist intent.

This includes detailed documentation of materials, techniques, and practices; addressing ephemeral and live elements; implementing preventive measures to mitigate deterioration; and developing customized methods that respect the artist's vision.

Central to their work are interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaborations, engagement with living artists or pertinent stakeholders, collaboration with external colleagues and institutions, and the use of up-to-date technology for digital preservation.

Housed in a state-of-the-art facility spanning 1,600 sqm, the conservation studios and labs are furnished with equipment tailored to the unique needs of various disciplines.

Working collaboratively, the international team has specialisations in objects and sculptures, installations, paintings, Asian and Western paper, photographs, time-based media, preventive conservation, and scientific research, ensuring the care and preservation of the collection.

Scientific research at M+ encompasses material characterization, preventive conservation, technical and treatment studies, and sustainability practices.

M+ provides a dynamic and evolving work environment and our Conservation team welcomes enthusiastic conservation professionals to meet the challenges of managing conservation needs and collection access.

For a glimpse into the work of M+ Conservation team, check out this video: 

Head, Conservation and Research

The Head, Conservation and Research is a pivotal leadership role within the Collection and Exhibition Department, responsible for overseeing the care and treatment of M+'s collection.

This position requires advanced knowledge of the ethics, principles, and methods used in the conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage, which encompasses both strategic and operational responsibilities, fostering collaboration with colleagues across the museum to develop an integrated approach to conservation.

You will be responsible for:

• leading institutional initiatives and research projects, providing strategic and administrative leadership for the department; as well as supervising a team of trained conservators, interns and related professionals to oversee a broad range of activities, including conservation assessment and treatment of the collection, support for exhibition and loan programs, collections research projects, disaster planning and response, and environmental monitoring;

• collaborating with senior leaders on institutional planning, policy development, and special initiatives, and representing M+ to various external constituencies, including the conservation profession;

• leading, managing, motivating, and developing a team with diverse conservation specialties to meet current and future requirements.

• developing and managing departmental operating, project, and program budgets, maintaining expenses within allotted budgets;

• developing and monitoring the implementation of annual and multi-year assessment and treatment plans, ensuring adherence to the highest safety and sustainability standards for both artwork and personnel;

• directing and monitoring conservation treatments on objects in the M+ collection performed by museum staff and, when appropriate, by contract conservators, ensuring compliance with accepted professional standards;

• providing conservation support to the M+ Archives and Library team for the preservation and treatment of collection archives, facilitating research access and display;

• developing policies and oversee practices related to the care and safety of the collection and works on loan, meeting or exceeding recognized professional standards;

• updating and ensuring department compliance with protocols regarding documentation related to the examination and treatment of works of art in the collection;

• working with department conservators and the Collection & Exhibition Department to update artwork handling guidelines and ensure regular training and refresher courses for appropriate staff;

• working with Senior Conservators and coordinate efforts across the Conservation team to develop and implement plans that increase the efficient operations of M+, while ensuring and promoting the safety and integrity of the collections, in close coordination with the Curatorial, Registration & Collections Management, and Exhibition & Displays teams;

• collaborating with M+ staff to develop strategies for special exhibitions to ensure the safety and proper care of the collection and works of art on loan;

• directing and participating in research related to the collection;

• planning and directing research on individual works of art, larger technical art history projects, and treatment protocol development;

• participating, as needed in the analysis and review of works of art being considered for acquisition, including technical examinations and artist interviews;

• developing and maintaining collaborative research relationships at local, regional, and international levels to increase knowledge of the M+ collections and improve safe access and preservation;

• advocating for the development of the conservation profession in Hong Kong and the region, and proactively represent M+ in international conservation forums;

• exploring opportunities for the team to represent the institution at professional meetings and conferences and produce research-based publications;

• participating in emergency and disaster planning and develop emergency plans and disaster preparedness protocols; and

• performing any other duties as directed by the Authority

You should:

• hold an M.A. from a recognized conservation training program, or equivalent, with a minimum of 15 years of verifiable museum conservation experience, including at least 7 years in a supervisory role, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;

• demonstrate leadership experience at a senior level with high responsibility and accountability;

• have a proven track record of developing procedures for the examination and remedial conservation of contemporary visual culture, environmental and handling requirements for loans and collection displays;

• exhibit experience motivating and leading experienced conservators and mentoring entry- and mid-level professionals in the field;

• possess strong leadership, interpersonal, planning, and organizational skills;

• be a strong team-player with the ability to supervise, direct, motivate, and evaluate staff, interns, and volunteers;

• have experience in fast-paced environments with a flexible approach to problem-solving;

• bring expertise in the conservation of contemporary visual culture and knowledge of preservation issues in cultural institutions with diverse collections;

• exhibit comprehensive knowledge of conservation methodologies and the resources needed to support the care and treatment of the collection;

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience with the conservation of paper, photographic materials, paintings, time-based media, sculpture and objects, and/or installation art;

• possess advanced knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of conservation materials and deterioration processes;

• Understand and ability to apply the latest conservation methodology, techniques, technology, materials, and equipment;

• have proven record of professional accomplishments, which may include publishing research, presenting at conferences, and active participation in professional conservation forums;

• show sustained interest and experience in working with and interviewing living artists/practitioners;

• demonstrate the ability to lead large-scale complex conservation projects, manage budgets, allocate resources, and coordinate with various departments;

• have the ability to anticipate future needs of a developing institution and design effective systems for meeting the museum’s obligations regarding safe access and use of collections.

• Be proficient in using collection management databases; TMS is preferred;

• Possess the ability to write reports and business correspondence, effectively present information, and respond to inquiries and requests from museum staff, outside organizations, and the public;

• have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents; and

• exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of a foreign language, preferably Chinese, is a plus.

Required Skill Profession

Librarians, Curators, And Archivists