The Conservation Specialist is responsible for the preservation, stabilization, and preventive care of collections at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD). The role involves preventive conservation, treatment assessments, environmental monitoring, and ensuring the long-term stability of collections for research, exhibitions, and public engagement. This position works closely with curators, collections managers, and scientists while applying best practices in conservation science.

Key Responsibilities:

Collections Care & Preventive Conservation:

Implement preventive conservation measures to protect collections from deterioration due to environmental factors such as light, humidity, temperature, pollutants, and pests.

Conduct condition assessments and document objects, identifying risks and recommending treatments.

Ensure safe handling, transport, and storage of fragile or sensitive objects in line with conservation best practices.

Monitor and maintain climate control, pest management, and security protocols for storage and exhibition areas.

Conservation Treatments & Technical Support:

Support the examination, analysis, and treatment of objects, in collaboration with senior conservation staff.

Assist in stabilizing, cleaning, and restoring objects using ethical and minimally invasive conservation techniques.

Prepare objects for exhibition, loan, and research while meeting all conservation requirements.

Conduct scientific analysis and documentation using imaging, microscopy, and material testing methods.

Exhibition & Loan Support:

Work with exhibition teams to ensure the safe mounting, framing, and display of objects in gallery spaces.

Support loan documentation, packing, and transportation logistics, ensuring protection during movement.

Conduct risk assessments for objects traveling on loan or for temporary exhibitions.

Documentation & Compliance:

Maintain detailed records of conservation assessments, treatment reports, and object histories.

Ensure conservation activities comply with international museum conservation standards (e.g., ICOM, AIC guidelines).

Assist in developing conservation policies, emergency preparedness plans, and handling protocols.

Research & Professional Development:

Stay updated on advancements in conservation science, materials analysis, and innovative preservation techniques.

Participate in conservation research projects, contributing to publications and knowledge-sharing in the field.

Engage in training programs, workshops, and conferences to expand expertise in conservation techniques.

Collaboration & Cross-Departmental Coordination:

Work closely with curators, scientists, collections managers, and exhibition teams to integrate conservation considerations into museum operations.

Assist with training museum staff and interns on best practices for object handling and preventive conservation.

Experience & Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Conservation, Conservation Science, Museum Studies, or a related field.

Experience:

3+ years of experience in museum conservation, collections care, or scientific conservation.

Hands-on experience with preventive conservation, object handling, and condition assessments.

Familiarity with conservation techniques for organic and inorganic materials in museum collections.

Skills:

Strong understanding of preventive conservation strategies, object treatment, and risk assessment.

Proficiency in conservation documentation systems, analytical tools, and material testing techniques.

Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across departments.

Additional Notes:

This role is exclusively open to UAE Nationals.