Key Skills

Job Description

The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands. Its collection consists of 1.1 million (art) objects from and about the Netherlands, dating from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. The museum welcomes more than two million visitors annually. For a period of two years, we are offering an enthusiastic, recent graduate in textile conservation the opportunity to further develop their practical and theoretical skills in the dynamic and multifaceted Conservation & Science department at the Rijksmuseum. As a junior conservator, you will temporarily join the objects conservation team and, together with your colleagues, will look after the textile and dress collection. What will your work consist of? You will carry out conservation work on the collections and you will also help prepare objects for exhibitions and presentations. You will also advise conservators when granting loans. You will work closely with other conservators, curators, researchers, the registrar's office and the exhibitions department. A specific task will be to intensify the cooperation with vocational training schools (vakopleidingen), resulting in the exchange of knowledge. You will be an integral part of shaping this cooperation by connecting with the relevant schools and finding ways to exchange knowledge. In brief, the main activities: (Co) monitoring the physical condition of the textile and dress collection, in collaboration with conservators and curators; Carrying out conservation work on recent acquisitions in the collection and related research; Assessing the condition and performing conservation work and documenting textile objects and dress for exhibitions and presentations; Mounting dress and related objects for photography. Participating and contributing to (scientific) research and conservation projects. Setting up or intensifying the connection and cooperation with vocational training schools resulting in the exchange of knowledge. Working for the Rijksmuseum The Rijksmuseum belongs to and is for everyone. You will be part of the paper and photo/objects conservation team of the Conservation & Science department. This team consists of the head of the conservation studio, four metals conservators, three textile conservators, three glass & ceramics conservators and four furniture conservators. In addition, conservators and interns work in the studio on a project basis. We keep each other on our toes and help each other. We look forward to seeing you! What will you contribute? We are curious to know who you are and what talent you might bring to our team. With your expertise and experience, you will help ensure that a beautiful collection is preserved for future generations and is visible to the public. You work meticulously and well organised and you communicate clearly. Furthermore, you have: An academic degree (MA) in the conservation of paper/textile/glass & ceramics conservation; Experience with condition checks and writing condition reports; Experience with preparing transport, installing and de-installing for exhibitions: A good command of the Dutch or English language, both oral and written. Excellent communication skills and a genuine interest in the exchange of knowledge with vocational schools. What will you get in return? You will be given the chance to work in and behind the scenes of a leading, internationally oriented museum, together with dedicated specialists. In addition, we offer: A gross salary of € 3.881,00 tot € 5.044,00 (Schaal 10 of the collective agreement for museums) per month, based on a 36-hour working week; 8% holiday allowance and 3.4% end-of-year bonus; A 12-month contract with the possibility of an extension of up to 24 months. After this no further extension is possible; The option to work from home on a part-time basis (in consultation), with a budget to set up your home office; Full public transport reimbursement from 5 km upwards (up to a maximum of €345) for commuting. The costs incurred when you park your bicycle at the station in a guarded bicycle shed are also fully reimbursed; After your probationary period, you will receive an ICOM year card with unlimited admission to 450 museums in the Netherlands. You are always welcome at the Rijksmuseum (during opening hours) with one free guest; Participation in various events and sports activities Enthusiastic? Make it happen right away and apply before November 25, 2026. Applications after this date will not be considered. The application process is as follows: After receiving your CV and letter of motivation, we will start processing your application. If we see a match, we will schedule an online introductory interview with you in the week of 7 december. We would like to hear who you are, what experience you have, and why you find this position appealing. Are both sides enthusiastic? We will make you an offer. Questions? Suzan Meijer (Head of the objects conservation studio) will be happy to answer them via [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) Do you have any questions about the recruitment process? Puck Bastiaansen (Recruitment Business Partner) will be happy to help via [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]). Please note: If we receive a sufficient number of applications, we may close the vacancy before the stated closing date. Unfortunately, applications received after the vacancy has closed will not be considered. We only consider applications submitted through the Rijksmuseum website. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications sent by email.

Core Responsibilities

Conserve and monitor the textile and dress collection, including assessing and documenting object condition, treating recent acquisitions, and preparing objects for exhibitions, presentations, transport, and photography. Contribute to research and conservation projects, advise on loans, and develop knowledge-sharing cooperation with vocational training schools.

Requirements

A master's degree in conservation of paper, textiles, or glass and ceramics is requested, along with experience conducting condition checks and writing condition reports. Candidates should have experience preparing, installing, and de-installing exhibition objects, strong communication skills, an interest in knowledge exchange with vocational schools, and good spoken and written Dutch or English.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance
• End-Of-Year Bonus
• Home Office Budget
• Public Transport Reimbursement
• Bicycle Parking Reimbursement
• ICOM Year Card With Museum Admission
• Free Museum Admission With One Guest
• Events And Sports Activities