3D Imaging Preprogram Internship

3D Imaging Preprogram Internship in Objects Conservation - Fall 2025 – Spring 2026

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 2025 through Spring 2026 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 10-12 hours weekly, mostly within 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, from Sept 12, 2025 through Apr 24, 2026, including attendance at the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays:  Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, and Dec 5. 

The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy. (The subsidy is subject to taxes.)

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution, ensuring that diversity, equity, and access are lived values, we actively encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented 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 3-5 minute final synoptic presentation of the internship on Fri, Dec 5, as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program concurrent with the full 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 
• *One letter of recommendation is required and must be sent separately by the author to conservation@mfa.org, with the applicant’s name and “3D Imaging Fall 2025 Internship” as the subject line
• Ability to commit to work onsite 10-12 hours per week (within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters), from Sept 12, 2025 through Apr 24, 2026, including attendance at the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, and Dec 5.  
• Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 12, 2025, 10am to 3:30pm. 

How to Apply 

• DO NOT INCLUDE any document, (e.g., transcripts, writing samples, or even recommendations), that is not specifically requested within the description.

1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following: 
   1. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
   2. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
   3. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship
   4. any periods when you are not available for an in-person interview 
   5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone 
2. Save your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2025)

3. Upload the single document as your resume via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before August 11, 2025. 

1. Additionally, one letter of recommendation is required and must be sent separately by the author to conservation@mfa.org, indicating clearly the applicant’s name and the ‘Collections Care Fall 2025 Internship position’ in the subject line.
2. Please contact conservation@mfa.org with any questions.
3. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season, and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position.  
4. **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible.