Assistant Photographer

(Full-time)

The Morgan Library & Museum invites applications for the position of Assistant Photographer. A critical member of the Imaging & Rights department, the Assistant Photographer creates digital images of rare materials in the Morgan’s collection, which spans from Ancient Western Asian seals and tablets to contemporary drawings and photography. The resulting images are used by scholars worldwide, on the Morgan website, and in publications, exhibitions, and special projects. This position reports to the Photographer.

Responsibilities: 
  • Create high-resolution, archival-quality digital images of rare collection materials, using the Phase One camera system and Capture One processing software
  • Attach existing metadata to the images and prepare image files for the Morgan’s Digital Assets Manager (DAM)
  • Adhere to Cultural Heritage imaging standards and established work flows for digital image capture and file management for collections digitization
  • Work closely with curators and conservators to optimize digital image capture without compromising rare material safety
  • Assist in photography for conservation purposes, including transmitted light
  • Assist in the maintenance of the photography studio
  • Assist Photographer in photographing institutional life, including exhibitions, events, programs, and staff
  • Perform other duties as the Photographer assigns

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge and demonstrated experience photographing rare archival bound and unbound materials using a high-resolution digital imaging platform
  • Demonstrated experience and facility with various image capture and editing software, such as Capture One and Adobe Creative Suite
  • Demonstrated ability to perform complex post-capture image adjustments and processing as required, including file stitching for oversize materials and digital manipulation when necessary
  • Knowledge of photogrammetry and/or 3D photography a plus, but not required
  • Knowledge of safe handling practices of priceless rare materials
  • Knowledge of studio strobe lighting equipment and techniques
  • Strong eye for color, value, composition, and visual accuracy
  • Knowledge of various cultural heritage database systems such as The Museum System (TMS) and Voyager catalog, or similar systems
  • Demonstrated ability to work under deadline in a production-oriented environment
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a variety of Morgan staff, internal, and external designers, vendors, and printers as assigned
  • Excellent organizational, communication and problem solving skills
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Enthusiasm and creativity
Qualifications: 
  • Minimum two years proven experience in the cultural heritage imaging community or related field
  • BA, BS, or BFA, preferably in photography, or a field related to the Morgan’s holdings.
  • Ability to lift up to 25lbs, push a handcart to and from the studio and walk up stairs
Compensation: 

Competitive salary at $62,000 to $64,000 annually commensurate with experience; Excellent benefits.

To apply: 

Interested applicants should email a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to Human Resources at photoadmin@themorgan.org.

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the position using the e-mail address indicated above.

The Morgan Library & Museum receives many applications and inquiries for employment. Unfortunately, we are not able to respond to all of them. Due to the high volume of applicants, we can contact only those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs.

Important to note:

Vaccination Requirement
To ensure the overall health and safety of the Morgan Library & Museum campus, all staff of the Morgan are required to be vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with applicable laws.

EEO Statement
The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions or decision making (of covered persons or their dependents), disability, height, weight, marital status, familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, pre-employment arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.