HARVARD ART MUSEUMS, Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies
Beal Family Postgraduate Fellow in Conservation Science
The Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies is seeking a postdoctoral scientist for a 3-year research fellowship in the field of conservation science. Reporting to the senior conservation scientist, the fellow works with scientists, conservators, conservation fellows, curators, and academic art historians on research projects, utilizing a broad range of art and artists’ materials collections in the Harvard Art Museums and other institutions. Emphasis will be shared between traditional and modern/contemporary artists’ materials and techniques. Provides analytical services to the Harvard Art Museums’ conservators and curators in the study and preservation of the collections and documents findings. Organizes workshops and symposia to engage others in examining issues related to conservation science research. Assists with instrument maintenance and repair as necessary, and in training others to use the instruments.
Required Education, Experience, and Skills
Basic Qualifications
PhD in chemistry/physical science, combined with experimental research experience and an ability to conduct academic research required.
Additional Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a high level of scientific achievement and a serious interest in a career as a scientist in the museum field. Experience with microscopy of diverse types, image analysis, and advanced computational skills desirable. Strong oral and written communications skills required. Demonstrated interest in the visual arts, record of publication and/or presentation, and knowledge of one or more foreign languages preferred.
Additional Information
The Straus Center has a long history of multidisciplinary collaboration among scientists, curators, and art historians. The Harvard Art Museums house world-renowned art collections and important study collections of art and artists’ materials. The laboratories are equipped with polarized light and reflectance/UV fluorescence microscopes, and GC-MS, MALDI-TOF-MS, FT-IR, Raman, and XRF spectrometers. Beyond the resources of the center, Harvard University and other local universities and museums offer access to specialized analytical equipment and a large scientific community.
Please note this is a term position beginning September 1, 2015, ending August 31, 2018.
Application Instructions
A complete application includes a curriculum vitae and statement of interest, not to exceed one page, single-spaced, summarizing the applicant’s interests and intent in the fellowship.
Please apply online: http://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs.
Search by School/Unit: Harvard Art Museums.
Application deadline: January 2, 2015
Interview notification: January 26–29, 2015
Interviews held: February 24–March 6, 2015
Inquiries may be directed to: am_straus@harvard.edu.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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