3D Imaging in Objects Conservation Pre-program Intern – Fall 2026 – Spring 2027
Conservation and Scientific Research
The department of Conservation and Scientific Research is an integral part of the Museum’s stated purpose to hold its collections in trust for future generations. Members of the department promote the long-term preservation of artworks through development of conservation treatments, study of materials and techniques, scholarly research and documentation. The department follows internationally established standards to document and maintain the aesthetic and physical integrity of works of art through six conservation disciplines, an analytical facility, and close collaboration with collections management colleagues responsible for safe exhibition, storage, transport, and the collections database.
The Objects Conservation Lab seeks an enthusiastic intern, for the fall 2026 to Spring 2027 academic year, to assist with various imaging and documentation activities. Projects will include capturing 2D and 3D images of artworks, and processing, organizing, and uploading to the image repository/database. Supervised by members of the Objects Lab, intern will also have opportunity to participate in other activities that offer hands-on experience and valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of the lab. Intern will be expected to perform tasks in support of collections care and conservation procedures.
Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 15 hours weekly, mostly within 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, between September 11, 2026, and April 30, 2027. The intern must attend orientation on Fri, September 11 (10am-3:30pm), and the weekly Museum Pathways and Practices professional development courses from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16, Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20, Dec 4, and Dec 11.
The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy which is subject to tax withholdings.
As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.
Essential Functions:
- Assist conservators with 3D (photogrammetry and structured light scanning) image capture.
- Process images and data sets.
- Render high fidelity 3D models and associated metadata
- Upload data sets and final models to the repository/database.
- Review internal metadata standards.
- Perform other duties as appropriate.
- Present final presentation for departmental staff summarizing work during the internship
- Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development course.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Enrolled in an undergraduate program during internship period at an accredited institution of higher learning pursuing a career in museums, art conservation, technical imaging, or associated field.
- Previous museum experience desirable
- Attention to detail.
- Facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and database programs (training in use of the Museum’s database system will be provided)
- Previous experience working with 3D data sets desirable.
- Knowledge of 3D modeling programs Agisoft MetaShape and Artec Studio 18 is a plus (training will be provided)
- Ability to perform tasks in professional manner and with discretion when working with confidential records.
- Ability to commit to work 15 hours weekly, mostly within 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, between September 11, 2026, and April 30, 2027. The intern must attend orientation on Fri, September 11 (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development courses from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16, Oct 23,
Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20, Dec 4, and Dec 11. - Ability to attend orientation on Friday, September 11, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm
How to Apply
DO NOT INCLUDE any document not specifically requested within the description (e.g., recommendations, transcripts, writing samples, etc.) DO NOT include your photo in any of your documents.
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Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following:
- the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
- how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
- why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship.
- any periods when you are not available for an interview.
- your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone
- SAVE your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2026)
- Upload the single document as your resume via the application portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before Aug 15, 2026.
- Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position.
- **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application.
**Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible and not considered.
