Lead Digital Imaging Specialist

Job Summary

The Getty Digital Imaging Department is seeking a Lead Digital Imaging Specialist with extensive experience in conservation-focused imaging. This role will be integral in assisting Getty's multi-year project "Imaging Dataflow Optimization," aimed at transforming cultural heritage imaging workflows for art conservation, access, preservation, and data dissemination. The ideal candidate will possess a deep knowledge of multi- and hyperspectral imaging, 3D and computational imaging, and other technical methodologies that can enhance the documentation, re-use, and preservation of cultural objects. This is a 4-year project term.  

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of Cultural Heritage Imaging, working alongside world-class experts and collections at one of the most prestigious cultural heritage organizations in the world. At Getty, we are dedicated to advancing the study and preservation of art and art history, offering a collaborative environment where scientists, curators, conservators, librarians, archivists, and academics converge to innovate and inspire.  

Our team at Getty Digital is at the forefront of re-imagining how technology can provide access to our campus, collections, and scholarship. We strive to deliver a deeply interconnected experience for scholars, researchers, scientists, and enthusiasts as they explore the vast, complex information within Getty’s holdings. We believe the best ideas come from teams with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where every team member has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully.  

Collaborations & Impact 

• Actively collaborate with Getty Conservation Institute and other Getty Programs and departments to streamline and enhance conservation documentation and imaging workflows. 
• Develop and foster relationships with external museums, universities, and cultural heritage institutions to promote knowledge sharing and technical innovation in conservation imaging. 
• Contribute to advancing initiatives in computational cultural heritage using the latest imaging technology.

 What You’ll Achieve 

• Help transform Getty’s approach to cultural heritage imaging by integrating advanced technologies into the conservation workflow, leading to more comprehensive and accurate documentation of cultural objects. 
• Develop and implement strategies for creating sustainable, scalable data pipelines to manage and utilize large imaging datasets to assist conservation, research, and public access. 
• Contribute to global cultural heritage preservation efforts by advancing the field of technical imaging and participating in key open science collaborations with peer institutions worldwide. 

We are also dedicated to fostering work-life balance, every other Friday off, excellent benefits, and a supportive culture that values personal and professional well-being. Learn more about our benefits.  

Major Job Responsibilities

• Manage Advanced Imaging Initiatives: Direct complex technical imaging projects, employing cutting-edge methodologies such as multispectral/hyperspectral imaging, 3D imaging, and IR/UV to capture critical data on cultural items and artworks. 
• Workflow Optimization: Manage the development and enhancement of Getty’s imaging data acquisition processes as part of the “Imaging Dataflow Optimization” project, ensuring alignment with conservation and museum standards for long-term digital preservation and open science initiatives. 
• Collaboration & Partnership: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including the Getty Conservation Institute, Museum Conservation Teams, and Getty Digital’s Collection Platforms and Data Team, to assist with the conservation and documentation of the Getty’s collections. Foster external collaborations with other museums, cultural institutions, and research centers. 
• Research & Development: Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies in cultural heritage imaging, contributing to research that pushes the boundaries of conservation and imaging science. Explore and implement new imaging techniques, contributing to global open science and computational cultural heritage initiatives. 
• Equipment & Technology: Manage and maintain state-of-the-art imaging equipment, ensuring Getty’s imaging capabilities remain at the cutting edge. Oversee the procurement and upkeep of specialized tools, software, and computational resources necessary for high-fidelity imaging. 

Qualifications

• Master's degree in photography and/or equivalent experience
• 8+ years experience in digital imaging or photography

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert with specialized technical capture methods, including multi-hyperspectral imaging, computational imaging processes, and 3D methodologies
• Expert knowledge of high-end cultural heritage and conservation imaging, hardware, and software
• Expert knowledge of 2D and 3D image processing
• Expert working knowledge of color management, profiling, and calibration and quality assurance
• Strong knowledge of lighting equipment and light-modifying techniques
• Highly collaborative and productive in a team workflow environment, also able to work under little to no supervision
• Deep networks and energetic involvement in the Cultural Heritage Imaging community
• Skilled in articulating ideas, i.e., clearly communicates creative concepts and technical processes
• Deep knowledge of Imaging-related best practices, standards, and workflows
• Strong ability to problem-solve
• Demonstrated ability to handle art objects and fragile materials