The University of Chicago
Senior Designer
The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12060447 Department
ISAC: Museum
About the Department
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind\'s progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world\'s leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC\'s collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC\'s centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is \"The University of Chicago.\" The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.
Job Summary
With oversight from the Chief Preparator, manages the care, design, handling, and display of the ISAC\'s 350,000 artifacts excavated primarily by ISAC archaeologists. Leverages specialized design expertise and uses independent judgement to propose specific recommendations for main galleries and special exhibits as well as graphic design initiatives. Proposes and implements creative solutions to solve complex issues around exhibit preparation, object mountings and movements, and exhibit installation. Becomes the resident expert on and leads Institute- and museum-related graphic design and layout, printing of graphic materials, and A/V media installation.
This position interacts regularly with and is a trusted advisor to curatorial, conservation, archive, and registration staff on technical factors (e.g. lighting, crate materials, foam etc.) and co-determines best course of action for objects selected for exhibitions. Serves as the primary driver of generating graphic design elements in support of Institute and Museum objectives.
Responsibilities
In close coordination with the Chief Preparator, and with outside vendors as required, functions as integral contributor to the design, construction, installation, and de-installation of museum exhibits and displays.
Implements innovative solutions related to the design, construction, installation, and de-installation of permanent and special exhibitions, including exhibits that require special handling or environmental conditions (special lighting conditions, PH, temperature, and humidity).
Supports workflow in key areas of museology operations (exhibition scheduling, registration, conservation).
Conducts environmental tests prior to and during special exhibits to meet the requirements of museum loans and the permanent collection. Using archival information from previous special exhibitions to identify the most efficient solutions (mounting, special environmental conditions, etc.) for upcoming special exhibitions.
Acts as the key driver of the conception, design, and integration of updates to the museum gallery.
Conceptualizes and designs new digital tools (touchscreens, 3D maps) for museum galleries.
Using knowledge of design principles, uses graphic arts software and tools for preparation of layouts for printing.
Provides primary input a d leadership on graphic design of Institute-wide graphically printed or electronically published materials. Perform shared creative procedures with other exhibit and graphic designers on projects.Graphic designers from partner institutions of the Institute (MADD lab, UChicago digital humanities; Polsky Center of UChicago, center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Northern Illinois University; UChicago MRESC, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, etc.). Graphic Designers of other museums in Greater Chicago area, such as Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Smart Museum etc.
Researches and applies best practices related to design and implementation of museum exhibitions.
Pack, unpack and transport objects and/or exhibits and displays and/or artwork using accepted museum standards and practices.
Maintains exhibits and displays, storage areas, workshops, loading docks, museum grounds, and building facilities.
Maintains shop equipment and supplies and may assist with purchase. Assists in monitoring the climate control system.
Applies research and analysis pertaining to collections and external funding and participates in the selection of objects for exhibits.
Writes condition reports and perfor
ISAC: Museum
About the Department
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind\'s progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world\'s leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC\'s collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC\'s centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is \"The University of Chicago.\" The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.
Job Summary
With oversight from the Chief Preparator, manages the care, design, handling, and display of the ISAC\'s 350,000 artifacts excavated primarily by ISAC archaeologists. Leverages specialized design expertise and uses independent judgement to propose specific recommendations for main galleries and special exhibits as well as graphic design initiatives. Proposes and implements creative solutions to solve complex issues around exhibit preparation, object mountings and movements, and exhibit installation. Becomes the resident expert on and leads Institute- and museum-related graphic design and layout, printing of graphic materials, and A/V media installation.
This position interacts regularly with and is a trusted advisor to curatorial, conservation, archive, and registration staff on technical factors (e.g. lighting, crate materials, foam etc.) and co-determines best course of action for objects selected for exhibitions. Serves as the primary driver of generating graphic design elements in support of Institute and Museum objectives.
Responsibilities
In close coordination with the Chief Preparator, and with outside vendors as required, functions as integral contributor to the design, construction, installation, and de-installation of museum exhibits and displays.
Implements innovative solutions related to the design, construction, installation, and de-installation of permanent and special exhibitions, including exhibits that require special handling or environmental conditions (special lighting conditions, PH, temperature, and humidity).
Supports workflow in key areas of museology operations (exhibition scheduling, registration, conservation).
Conducts environmental tests prior to and during special exhibits to meet the requirements of museum loans and the permanent collection. Using archival information from previous special exhibitions to identify the most efficient solutions (mounting, special environmental conditions, etc.) for upcoming special exhibitions.
Acts as the key driver of the conception, design, and integration of updates to the museum gallery.
Conceptualizes and designs new digital tools (touchscreens, 3D maps) for museum galleries.
Using knowledge of design principles, uses graphic arts software and tools for preparation of layouts for printing.
Provides primary input a d leadership on graphic design of Institute-wide graphically printed or electronically published materials. Perform shared creative procedures with other exhibit and graphic designers on projects.Graphic designers from partner institutions of the Institute (MADD lab, UChicago digital humanities; Polsky Center of UChicago, center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Northern Illinois University; UChicago MRESC, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, etc.). Graphic Designers of other museums in Greater Chicago area, such as Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Smart Museum etc.
Researches and applies best practices related to design and implementation of museum exhibitions.
Pack, unpack and transport objects and/or exhibits and displays and/or artwork using accepted museum standards and practices.
Maintains exhibits and displays, storage areas, workshops, loading docks, museum grounds, and building facilities.
Maintains shop equipment and supplies and may assist with purchase. Assists in monitoring the climate control system.
Applies research and analysis pertaining to collections and external funding and participates in the selection of objects for exhibits.
Writes condition reports and perfor