Job Opening: Assistant Scientist
The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), located in Los Angeles, California, and one of the operating programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust, works internationally to advance conservation practice in the visual arts, broadly interpreted to include objects, collections, architecture, and sites. The GCI serves the conservation community through scientific research, education and training, model field projects, and the broad dissemination of the results of both its own work and the work of others in the field. In all its endeavors, the GCI focuses on the creation and dissemination of knowledge that will benefit the professionals and organizations responsible for the conservation of the world’s cultural heritage.
The GCI’s Science Department is seeking an individual to fill the position of Assistant Scientist, within the Technical Studies research group. This research group focuses on the scientific study of objects from the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum (JPGM) and other partner institutions to further the understanding and preservation of these works in collaboration with conservators and curators; to disseminate our findings through professional publications and conferences; and to contribute to the GCI’s work in advancing the field of conservation through the organization of seminars; symposia and workshops. Please see:
http://www.getty.edu/conservation/our_projects/science/coll_res/index.html
Responsibilities: Reporting to the Technical Studies research head, the Assistant Scientist will work primarily with the antiquities, sculpture and decorative arts conservation departments from the JPGM, for the study of stone, metal, glass and ceramics. Successful candidates will be expected to
conduct scientific analyses and research on works of art using the wide range of chemical and instrumental techniques available at the GCI. In addition, independent research projects that further the understanding or preservation of works of art, collaborating with other cultural or academic institutions as appropriate, may be developed.
Qualifications: The Assistant Scientist must have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other natural science, Master’s degree preferred; 1-3 years of experience in scientific research, preferably in the field of cultural heritage. Hands-on familiarity with: taking, mounting and analyzing cross-sections;
materials analysis using analytical instrumental techniques such as XRF, Raman and multispectral imaging; polarized and UV microscopy; and scanning electron microscopy is strongly desired as well as experience with ICP-MS, isotope analysis, TEM, XRD, and synchrotron spectroscopies (i.e., XANES, EXAFS). The successful candidate must be adaptable, analytical, and a creative problem-solver and thinker; able to work effectively in a highly collaborative and variable environment; have conservation training or experience working with conservators in a conservation science laboratory; and possess excellent organization, communication, and writing skills.
An excellent benefits package and salary commensurate with experience will be provided.
To apply, please see: https://jobs-getty.icims.com/jobs/2478/assistant-scientist/job. All applicants should be prepared to upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae as a single file (either a PDF or a Word document) when prompted to upload a Resume online. Candidates who successfully complete
the online application process will receive an automated message from “autoreply@icims.com”. If you have specific questions about the Assistant Scientist position, please email gcistaffing@getty.edu.
Deadline for applications is May 8, 2015.