Fellowship (m/f/d) Conservation of Time-Based Media or Contemporary Art

Über uns

The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen was founded in 1961 and has since evolved into one of the most important museums in Europe. It houses a unique collection of paintings from the historical avant-gardes of the twentieth century and key works of contemporary art. At its two venues in Düsseldorf, K20 and K21, the museum presents ambitious temporary and permanent exhibitions and conceives and organizes innovative educational formats on socially relevant topics. The Kunstsammlung NRW is a museum in transition, addressing the issues of diversity, digitalization, and sustainability in its program and as an institution, and actively reaching out to new visitor groups.

Role We are seeking the following person to join our team as of 1st of October 2026 for a role lasting two years:

With a weekly working time of 39.83 hours.

Key components of the fellowship The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen invites applications for a two-year Fellowship in the Conservation of Time-Based Media or Contemporary Art, commencing in October 2026.

This fellowship is designed for recent graduates of a Master's programme in conservation and offers the opportunity to broaden practical, museum-specific experience, gain insight into the diverse responsibilities and organisational processes of a major museum institution, and further develop specialist expertise.

Your Responsibilities

• Work closely with the conservation team on acquisitions, exhibitions, loans, and preventive conservation initiatives.
• Conduct research relevant to the Kunstsammlung's collection and contribute to the broader field of conservation.
• Play a key role in preparing works from the collection for the exhibition Video Memory at K21 (Summer 2027), working alongside the museum's Conservator of Time-Based Media.
• Survey selected works and carry out conservation documentation and condition assessments.
• Assess technological risks, including the potential for media and equipment obsolescence.
• Collaborate with external experts and contemporary artists represented in the collection.
• Represent the conservation perspective throughout all stages of exhibition planning and implementation.
• Research new and unconventional materials used in contemporary artworks.
• Undertake art historical, technical, and scientific investigations.
• Present and publish research findings through scholarly presentations and publications.

Your profile

• A Master's degree in Conservation, ideally with a specialisation in Time-Based Media or Contemporary Art Conservation.
• Regardless of your area of specialisation, you have a strong interest in the conservation of contemporary art.
• Initial practical experience in museum and exhibition work and in the conservation of artworks.
• A responsible, reliable, and collaborative working style.
• Initiative, an open-minded approach, and excellent communication and teamwork skills.

We offer you

• A full-time fellowship position (39:50 hours) limited to 2 years in one of Europe's most prestigious cultural institutions for modern and contemporary art.
• The opportunity to work on significant acquisitions, exhibitions, loans, and conservation projects.
• Close collaboration with experienced conservators, curators, artists, and external specialists.
• The opportunity to develop and disseminate independent research through presentations and publications.
• A salary in accordance with TV-L at 50% of E13, level 1 during the first year, E13, level 2 during the second year
• An attractive training position in the center of Düsseldorf
• Flexible working hours and the option of mobile working
• Committed colleagues and individual training and development opportunities

We are looking forward to a motivated colleague who would like to support us in the continuous development of our institution and contribute their own ideas.

Please send your detailed application documents in electronic form in German or English via our application portal by 31st of August 2026 to

Stiftung Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

Iskra Gross | Personalabteilung