Call for proposals in Heritage Science for Conservation

Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship
Heritage Science for Conservation
Call for Proposals
Johns Hopkins University
Sheridan Libraries and Museums

Johns Hopkins University is pleased to announce that it is now accepting proposals under its 2013 call for proposals in Heritage Science for Conservation (HSC).  Supported by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, HSC is an interdisciplinary program based in the Department of Conservation and Preservation of the Sheridan Libraries and Museums which partners with the Whiting School of Engineering’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering at JHU.

Heritage Science for Conservation provides a bridge between the work of scientists and conservators by bringing them together in one lab in order to conduct research, to engage in collaborations with conservators, scientists, students, and industry; and to explore various topics in the preservation and conservation of book and paper collections found in cultural institutions.   By attracting outstanding scientists to the discipline of conservation and uniting scientists into the larger conversations of the heritage community, HSC advances knowledge of conservation of cultural heritage materials and develops the next generation of conservation scientists.

Proposals should seek to combine different scientific and engineering concepts and/or technologies in order to yield new understanding or practical results helpful to conservators. HSC accepts proposals based on the six Research Areas and the corresponding Project Topic. Applicants should refer to the Research Area chart via the following link: http://www.library.jhu.edu/bin/m/h/HSCResearchAreas.pdf

Any research topic from the six Research Areas will be considered. Areas with particular emphasis for HSC include paper strengthening, permanence of coatings and paper sizing, leather consolidants, modeling and forecasting for book and paper aging and degradation, and proof of concept for technology benefiting book and paper conservators, sufficient for commercialization.  In addition to the primary research proposal, fellows will participate in other small avenues of research exploration or develop smaller research initiatives as may be revealed through the course of the primary research project or in the course of working alongside scientists, conservators, curators and industry partners.

Candidates must hold a PhD in a scientific discipline and have a high level of scientific achievement combined with a strong interest in cultural heritage collections.  Experimental research experience and an ability to plan and execute research are required. Salary for the position is $56,000.00 and includes fringe benefits and the health insurance premium.

Please visit our website for further information on the postdoctoral fellowship, the Proposal Guidelines, and the Submission Form:
http://www.library.jhu.edu/departments/preservation/hsc/application.html

Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students.  All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply.

Deadlines
·        Submission Deadline:  February 15, 2013
·        Phone Interviews:  March 15, 2013
·        Award Notification:  April 15, 2013
·        Start Date:  August 15, 2013