Internship in Paper Conservation

In the Rijksmuseum, we work every day on preserving art and history. During this internship in paper conservation, you will be part of that work from the start. You will examine prints and drawings up close and contribute to their care and preservation. This is how you learn the practice of conservation in an environment where research and treatment go hand in hand.

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Details

Location: Amsterdam

Number of hours per week: 36

Closing date vacancy: 15 Apr 2026

Internship in Paper Conservation

The Department of Paper and Photo Conservation holds an internationally recognized position in the field of technical research and conservation and consists of a core team of three paper conservators, three photographic materials conservators and three conservation technicians, supplemented by other conservators working on different projects. Working in close collaboration with a team of researchers and scientists, they are responsible for the research, conservation and care of the Rijksmuseum collection of the collection of the Rijksprentenkabinet, the largest museum collection of prints, drawings and photographs of the Netherlands.

Working for the Rijksmuseum

The position is full-time (36 hours per week) for the duration for 3 to 6 months, to be scheduled between September 2026 and July 2027, in accordance with the training program of the intern and the schedule of the Rijksmuseum Paper and Photo Conservation department.

The Paper and Photo Conservation department works closely with the Curatorial- and Science Departments and you will be expected to participate in discussions about ongoing treatments and research projects.

Day-to-day duties
You will be given the opportunity to carry out conservation treatments on works of art on paper, such as prints and drawings and conduct research on their materials, techniques and condition.
You will work alongside the paper conservators to:

monitor the condition and maintenance of the collection,
prepare objects for loans,
write condition reports,
(de-) install exhibitions,
assist with ongoing (research) projects.

The Paper and Photo Conservation department works closely with the Curatorial- and Science Departments and you will be expected to participate in discussions about ongoing treatments and research projects.

What will you contribute?

We are curious about who you are and what you want to develop further during your internship with us.

The successful applicant:

is currently based in European Union and enrolled in a recognized (inter)national MA-level conservation training program with a specialization in paper conservation for the duration of the entire internship.
has sufficient knowledge and skills to carry out conservation treatments.
is genuinely interested in integrating scientific research into conservation practice.
has basic knowledge of analytical methods useful for research.
is fluent in English, spoken and written.
is able to work in a team.

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;
a modest monthly stipend of €550,- a month based on a 36 hours working week;
an inspiring workplace. The Rijksmuseum’s Conservation & Science Department is housed in the Ateliergebouw (Studio Building) across the street from the Rijksmuseum. In addition to the six conservation studios and the Science Department of the Rijksmuseum, the building hosts the conservation training program of the University of Amsterdam, the laboratories of the Department of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE), and the Netherlands Institute of Conservation, Art and Science (NICAS). The strong collaboration between conservators, scientific researchers and art historians in the three institutes makes for an interdisciplinary and dynamic environment;
the opportunity to attend regular talks organized by the three institutions housed in the Ateliergebouw;
participation in various events and sports activities, such as the Rijksrun and our summer and winter parties.

Enthusiastic?

Make it happen and apply before the 16th of April. We invite all interested candidates to apply. Do you need any additional support during the application process? Please let us know, we are happy to help.

The application process is as follows:

1. All applications must be submitted online and in English and should include a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation.
2. If we see a match, we will invite you for an online introductory interview on the 28th of April or the 1st of May and learn more about you, your experience, and your motivation.
3. If we are both enthusiastic, we will be happy to welcome you to the Rijksmuseum.

If you have any questions, please contact I.van.Leeuwen@rijksmuseum.nl

*Please note that we can only accept applications from candidates based within the European Union.

Please note: if we receive a sufficient number of applications, we may close the vacancy before the stated closing date. Applications submitted after the vacancy has been closed will unfortunately not be considered. Applications or related materials delivered via email, postal mail, or in person will unfortunately not be accepted.