Description

The Special Collections Conservator plays a vital role in ensuring the accessibility and preservation of Hesburgh Libraries special collections in support of diverse teaching and research uses. As part of a well-established Preservation Department with expanding conservation capacities, and in collaboration with others including curators and archivists, the incumbent develops and executes conservation treatment solutions that stabilize individual items and collections of items in support of a range of current and future uses, including teaching, research, exhibition, digitization, and loans. The position is a regular library faculty appointment.

Responsibilities 

        Assesses vulnerabilities of individual items and groups of collections. Specifies and recommends treatment solutions

        Works collaboratively to discern priorities and develop strategic treatment solutions

        Performs a broad range of specialized conservation treatments to stabilize and preserve books, manuscripts, and other library and archival collections

        Prepares written and photographic treatment documentation

        Designs and constructs custom protective enclosures and mounts for storage, transport, and exhibition  

        Shares expertise that contributes to the advancement of the Libraries conservation facilities and services

        Engages in teaching and outreach activities to facilitate engagement with preservation and to share expertise related to the production and material qualities of historical collections. Activities include lab tours, care and handling training, and outreach to students and faculty in partnership with curators and subject librarians. 

        Participates on committees and teams as appropriate to advance the strategic goals and objectives of Hesburgh Libraries and University of Notre Dame

        Participates on the Hesburgh Libraries Collections Emergency Response Team 

        Pursues professional development and engages in professional service and/or research in keeping with the Libraries’ criteria for reappointment and promotion. As members of the regular faculty of the University, library faculty contribute service to the Libraries and to the University and/or the broader community and contribute to the University’s mission and strategic initiatives.

        Other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

        Extensive knowledge of current conservation principles, ethics, and practices, as evidenced by a graduate degree in library and archives conservation or equivalent

        Minimum one year post-graduate experience specifying and performing specialized conservation treatments in a research library or archives setting 

        In depth understanding of the physical and chemical nature of books, paper, and other collection artifacts 

        Appreciation for the evolving context of modern research libraries and archives 

        Creative and flexible problem-solving skills 

        Excellent written and oral communication skills 

        Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a highly collaborative team 

Preferred qualifications 

        Three to five years of professional conservation experience 

        AIC Professional Associate membership designation

        Experience supervising students or interns in a conservation lab setting

        Experience and interest in teaching, training, and public outreach

Salary and Benefits

Librarians at Notre Dame are appointed as library faculty and evaluated on library service, contributions to the profession, and university and community service. Salary and rank are nationally competitive with peer Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Notre Dame offers an outstanding benefits package. For more information, please visit the employment page on the Hesburgh Libraries website. 

Application Instructions

Required application materials include:

        A cover letter addressing the position requirements

        A current C.V.

        Names and contact information for three professional references

        A portfolio of recent treatment work will be requested for finalist candidates invited to on-campus interviews

Contact Jen Hunt, search committee chair, with any questions at jhuntjoh@nd.edu. Apply at: https://apply.interfolio.com/181007. Review of applications will begin immediately and close on March 9, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from female and minority candidates and those candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals and requires affirmative action by covered contractors to employ and advance veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).

Background Check 

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.  Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges.  Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.