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Junior conservator photographic materials

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 photo 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 be part of our paper and photo conservation team.

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Details

Location: Amsterdam

Salary min: € 3.881,00

Salary max: € 5.044,00

Number of hours per week: 36

Closing date vacancy: 25 Nov 2026

What will your work consist of?

You will carry out conservation work on the collection, 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 seek collaboration with professionals and others interested in historical photographic processes and techniques to increase the exchange of knowledge regarding production processes. You play a key role in this by establishing contact with the field and working together to find ways to share this knowledge.

In brief, the main activities:

  • Carrying out conservation work on recent acquisitions in the collection and related research;
  • (Co)monitoring the physical condition of the photo collection, in collaboration with conservators and curators;
  • Assessing the condition and performing conservation work and documenting photos for loans, exhibitions and presentations;
  • Participating and contributing to (scientific) research and conservation projects;
  • Establish and/or strengthen collaboration with professionals and others interested in historical photography, with the goal of exchanging knowledge.

Working for the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum belongs to and is for everyone. You will be part of the paper and photo conservation team within the Conservation & Science department. This team consists of the head of the conservation studio, three photo conservators, three paper conservators, and three conservation technicians. 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 photographic materials;
  • 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 historical production processes and the exchange of knowledge.

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 of 36 hours per week, 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 may reimburse the cost of an ICOM year card with unlimited access to many (inter)national museums. You are always welcome at the Rijksmuseum (during opening hours) with one free guest;
  • Participation in various events and sports activities

Enthusiastic?

We warmly encourage everyone who is interested 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. Don't wait any longer , apply by 25 November 2026 (Amsterdam time/CET) at the latest. Once we have received your CV and cover letter, we will start reviewing your application.
  2. Do we see a potential match? We would be happy to invite you for an initial interview on Tuesday 8 or Thursday 10 December. We look forward to getting to know you and hearing what interests you about this role.
  3. Are we both enthusiastic? We will make you an offer.

Would you like more information? Please contact Idelette van Leeuwen at i.van.leeuwen@rijksmuseum.nl.

Do you have any questions about the recruitment process? Puck Bastiaansen (Recruitment Business Partner) will be happy to help via recruitment@rijksmuseum.nl.

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.