Fellowships at The Met are an opportunity for scholars from around the world to use the Museum as a place for exchange, research, and professional advancement. Fellows are fully integrated into the life of The Met and, through weekly gatherings and discussions, take part in research sharing and workshops that explore the inner workings of The Met. Fellows are given a workspace and focused access to research facilities, labs, libraries, collections, and the time and space to think.
PhD candidates, postdoctoral scholars, and senior scientists and researchers are eligible to apply.
Junior fellows are those applicants who have recently completed graduate-level training; senior fellows are well-established professionals with at least eight years of experience in the field and a proven publication record, or those who have their PhD in hand by the deadline date.
Junior fellows work closely with Met staff to receive training on scientific research and conservation practices. Senior fellows work on a specific research project that makes use of the Museum’s collection and/or resources.
The number of fellowships awarded depends on funds and resources available.
The stipend amount for one year is $42,000 for junior fellows and $52,000 for senior fellows, with up to an additional $6,000 for travel (maximum of six weeks).
To apply, please visit our website: www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/fellowships/conservation-and-scientific-research-fellowships
Questions may be directed to academic.programs@metmuseum.org.
Category: Job, Internship, & Fellowship Postings
Job Posting: Director of Historic Preservation and Museums (Hartford, CT, USA)
Department of Economic and Community Development
State Historic Preservation Office
Director of Historic Preservation and Museums
PLEASE FOLLOW THE SPECIFIC APPLICATION FILING INSTRUCTIONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE!
Open To: The Public
Location: One Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103
Job Posting No: 11409
Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week
Salary: Grade MP-65 ($86,813 – $118,362 annual)
Closing Date: October 3, 2016—applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM
Eligibility Requirement
This is an unclassified, management position open to all applicants who meet the experience and training requirements established in the DAS Class Specification for class code 2562, which can be viewed by accessing this link http://das.ct.gov/HR/JobspecNew/JobDetail.asp?FCC=7298.
General Information
Reporting to the Director of Culture, and serving as the Deputy, the Director of Historic Preservation and Museums will assist in administering the historic preservation and museum initiatives of the agency to preserve and promote the state’s significant historic assets and to coordinate with other local, state and federal programs to incorporate historic properties and cultural strategies with Connecticut’s overall economic development.
Essential Functions
Refer to Examples of Duties listed on DAS Class Specification 2562. Specific functions include:
- Directing and evaluating the staff of the State Historic Preservation Office and the staff of all DECD State Museums.
- Managing the daily operations of historic preservation and museum initiatives and programs.
- Planning, coordinating, analyzing and managing cultural programs, activities and publicity.
- Interpreting and administering pertinent laws, developing (or assists with developing) pertinent policies, and assuring compliance with all federal and state requirements for historic preservation.
- Designing and implementing programs for the field of historic preservation, restoration, education, tax credits and technical assistance.
- Overseeing the operations of agency-operated museums, including capital improvement projects.
- Preparing budgets and reports, such as the Historic Preservation Fund annual application and year-end report.
- Negotiating and administering contracts.
- Serving as Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer and as liaison to the Historic Preservation Council and State Historic Review Board, and representing the agency at meetings of professional and community organizations.
- Participating in meetings of the Culture and Tourism Advisory Committee.
- Acting on behalf of Director of Culture in his or her absence, and performing related duties whenever necessary.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of preservation policy and economic development incorporating historic assets; considerable knowledge of research source materials; considerable knowledge of American history with particular emphasis on history and architectural history of Connecticut; knowledge of cultural strategies; knowledge of principles of museum administration and curatorial practices; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; supervisory ability.
General Experience Nine (9) years of professional experience in the study, research and preservation of historic sites, structures, artifacts, and administration/management of programs related to these fields.
Preferred Experience
As this is an upper-level management position, a degree in historic preservation or a closely related field combined with at least five (5) years of experience in an administrative capacity is preferred. Experience managing museums is preferred.
Application Instructions
Interested and qualified applicants should submit a cover letter that describes their interest and suitability for the position, a resume, and an Application for Employment (Form CT-HR-12) to:
Joe Olender, Human Resources Specialist
Department of Administrative Services, Small Agency Resource Team—SmART Unit
165 Capitol Avenue, 5th Floor East, Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Confidential Fax (preferred method of submission): 860-622-2833
Materials may be attached to email and sent to Joseph.Olender@ct.gov
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities
Fellowship: Mellon Fellowship in Paper Conservation – Museo de Arte de Ponce (Ponce, PR, USA)
Fellowship Summary
Under general supervision by Paper Conservator, the Fellow Conservator will assist all duties related to the performance of preventive conservation treatments, the item-by-item condition reports and the substitution of storage conservation materials of the permanent paper collection. The successful candidate will also assist with the day-to-day conservation tasks, preservation education and exhibition-related projects.
Duration of Fellowship
The Museo de Arte de Ponce offers a two and a half year fellowship, from the 17th of January 2017 to the 14th of June 2019.
Stipend and Allowance
The Fellow will receive a stipend of $32,000 a year (plus Health Care, Social Security and 15-day vacation), with an additional $2,000 allowance for travel.
Requirements
– Bachelor Degree in science or arts;
– Master’s Degree in Art Conservation, specialized in Paper Conservation from a recognized institution;
– Intern experience in paper conservation in museum environment;
– Good communication skills and willing to work enthusiastically with colleagues;
– Ability to work in a wide range of conservation activities; and
– Flexibility to adjust to unplanned changes.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a cover letter summarizing their interest, a resume and the three (3) references to: Mariela Vera, Human Resources and Volunteer Coordinator, by sending an e-mail to mvera@museoarteponce.org. Please combine the cover letter, resume and references into a one document.
Deadline to apply is October 24, 2016 at 11:59 pm EST.
Museum Background
Founded in 1959, the Museo de Arte de Ponce holds one of the most important collections of European art in the Caribbean and Latin America. The museum is devoted to exhibiting, studying, and conserving visual art of the Western tradition from the fourteenth century to the present. There are around 4,500 objects in the collection, of which the strongest areas are Italian paintings from 1600-1750, French and Spanish painting and sculpture from 1600-1900, and British painting from 1800-1900. Visitors will also find works by Caribbean artists (and some Latin American) from the eighteenth century to the present.
Conservator Position at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Announcing a full time Conservation position at the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Interested persons should send resume and cover letter to:
Tara Backhouse
Collections Manager
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
tarabackhouse<-a t->semtribe< . >com
http://www.ahtahthiki.com
The Conservator reports to the Collections Manager and is responsible for all aspects of conservation treatment for the STOF Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s permanent collections. This position also coordinates and manages the conservation program for the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. This is a full-time position. Only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible to apply.
Illustrative Tasks: The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this position. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed, if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.
- Administrates a conservation program designed to meet the conservation/preservation needs of STOF Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s permanent collections.
- Coordinates collections care with the Collections Manager and Registrar.
- Plans, implements and reviews care of Museum collections.
- Monitors conditions of works in storage, exhibition, and transit environments.
- Advises Museum staff and the public on the care of permanent collections.
- Manages in-house conservation laboratory. Responsible for the selection of appropriate conservation supplies, tools, and equipment; maintenance of tools/equipment and establishment of quality control procedures to verify the adherence of products to standards.
- Evaluates and improves efficiencies of workflow while ensuring accepted conservation-sound practices and safe lab protocols.
- Works with exhibition staff in preparing exhibits to ensure proper environment for objects.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Experience in a wide range of conservation treatment procedures. The museum is willing to consider conservators with various specialties including paper, objects, paintings, or textiles.
- Excellent computer skills utilizing Microsoft software programs and add-ins.
- Ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
- Skill in examining and assessing condition of artifacts or works of art; establishing and maintaining optimum environmental conditions; use of laboratory equipment.
- Ability to determine and perform techniques required for preservation and/or restoration of objects.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships.
- Capable of handling multiple projects and able to see projects to a point of completion.
- Ability to serve the Tribal community, the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the STOF tribal community, general public, co-workers and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Ability to work a flexible work schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Ability to travel as necessary.
Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree required in art conservation, or related field. A minimum of two years of experience/training as a conservator in a museum or similar facility.
Physical Demands: Typically, the incumbent may sit comfortably to do the work; there may be occasional walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, such as books, papers; may drive a company vehicle. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Certain conditions utilizing various chemicals needed for conservation work will exist.
Collections Conservator – Mount Vernon (Alexandria, VA)
The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association seeks a highly motivated objects conservator to assume the role of Collections Conservator and direct the conservation of the Fine and Decorative Arts Collections at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, a 450-acre historic site, located 15 miles south of Washington, DC, and visited by more than 1 million visitors annually. These collections encompass more than 15,000 items, including sculpture, furniture, ceramics, metals, other decorative arts, paintings, prints, and textiles. Collections are displayed in the Mansion, an 18th-century historic structure; an array of outbuildings; a purpose-built museum facility opened in 2006; and a research library opened in 2013.
Please apply by: September 23, 2016
Position Specific Responsibilities:
- Oversees the preservation and conservation of Mount Vernon’s Fine and Decorative Arts collections
- Prepares objects for exhibition in historic structures and museum galleries, loan and photography in accordance with AIC’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
- Coordinates work by contract conservators
- Plans and implements preventive maintenance
- Works closely with Historic Preservation and Collections staff and contract conservators, under the direction of the Senior Curator
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree from a recognized conservation program, with a specialty in objects conservation, preferably with a focus on decorative arts
- Minimum of five years post-graduate experience
- Minimum of three years conservation experience in an historic site or museum setting
- General knowledge of current museum practices in storage, handling, exhibition display, environmental controls and illumination
- Familiarity with conservation issues particular to historic house museums and historic sites
- Excellent hand skills, competence with basic scientific instrumentation, computers, and digital media
- Attention to detail, creative problem solving, and strong organization skills required
- Experience with lab management preferred
- Demonstrated leadership and decision-making abilities
- Works effectively individually and as part of a team
- Communicates courteously, professionally and effectively with colleagues, supervisors and the public
Special Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry collection objects up to 30 lb.
- Ability to climb and balance on ladders
- In addition to regular hours, able to occasionally work early mornings, evenings, or weekends as well as outdoors, as needed for installations or events
- Safely uses solvents, reagents, and other hazardous materials
- Practices, maintains and enforces safety regulations and procedures in and out of the lab
Please apply online via our website by following the link below:
http://www.mountvernon.org/about/employment/open-positions-at-mount-vernon/?gnk=job&gni=8a78824756b5d9b80156ec28b2d36d9e&gns=http%3A%2F%2Fcool.conservation-us.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fosg-l
Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Job Posting: The Cripps Foundation Chair in Cultural Materials Conservation (Melbourne, Australia)
*** APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PAST – PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ***
School of Historical & Philosophical Studies
Faculty of Arts
The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Employment type: Full-time continuing position
- Close date: September 14, 2016
- Salary: AUD181,308 p.a. plus 17% superannuation
The Cripps Foundation Chair in Cultural Materials Conservation is a new position within the Faculty of Arts and the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, created as the result of a generous donation from the Cripps Foundation. The Chair was established to promote interest and education in Cultural Materials Conservation, and has a significant research component.
The appointee is expected to make significant contributions to teaching, research and engagement within the discipline of Cultural Materials Conservation, broadly defined. The successful appointee will be located within the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation (GCCMC). The appointee will be expected to contribute to teaching at graduate levels, and will initiate, perform and supervise research in Cultural Materials Conservation. The appointee will have an established research specialization in an aspect of cultural materials conservation, and potential to achieve a high level of research performance through refereed publications and the securing of research grants. The appointee will also contribute to interdisciplinary activities and engagement activities connected to Cultural Materials Conservation in conjunction with the Director and other Grimwade Centre staff.
The position will report to the Head of School, Historical and Philosophical Studies.
Please DO NOT apply via the University website.
Dr. Leslie Kilmartin of The Insight Group, Executive Search Consultants, is managing enquiries and submissions relating to this appointment, and can be contacted by telephone: +61 (0)418 590 842 or email: lkilmartin@insightgroup.com.au.
A cover letter, CV and a document addressing the selection criteria should be sent to lkilmartin@insightgroup.com.au.
For position information and to apply online go to http://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/887564/the-cripps-foundation-chair-in-cultural-materials-conservation.
Conservation Technician – Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research (Tallahassee, FL)
POSITION IS LOCATED IN THE DIVISION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES, BUREAU OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH
RELATIVES OF CURRENT DEPARTMENT OF STATE EMPLOYEES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 11:59 P.M. EST ON THE CLOSING DATE
RESPONSES TO QUALIFYING QUESTIONS MUST BE VERIFIABLE ON THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION
A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THIS POSITION AND SELECTED APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Assists the Historic Conservator with conserving marine and terrestrial archaeological objects.
Processes and documents archaeological objects.
Assists the Historic Conservator with facility and equipment maintenance. This duty includes procuring supplies, arranging for equipment inspections, and ensuring the laboratory workspace remains clean and neat.
Assists the Collections Manager and Historic Conservator with public outreach programs, including laboratory tours and other speaking engagements.
Assists the Historic Conservator with maintaining a safe lab environment, including safety inspections.
Assists the Historic Conservator with instructing and training conservation interns and volunteers.
Performs other related duties as requested.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Masters degree with focus in conservation or a Bachelors degree and two years experience working in a conservation laboratory.
Minimum of one year experience in an archaeological or museum conservation laboratory.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of basic archaeological conservation knowledge including marine and terrestrial objects, documentation, photography, and artifact database management.
Knowledge of basic cleaning and treatments.
Knowledge of chemical laboratory safety procedures.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Programs.
Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
Ability to work in an environment of inconsistent temperature and humidity, occasionally outdoors.
PREFERRED (NOT REQUIRED) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Experience cleaning and treating artifacts from marine and terrestrial sites.
Experience with treatment of metal artifacts including concreted objects and electrolytic reduction.
Experience treating organic artifacts.
Experience with sealants and coatings.
Knowledge and understanding or maritime archaeological material culture.
**IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please attach copies of any documents that are needed to meet the minimum qualifications for this position to this People First requisition. Examples of educational documents include: college diploma or transcripts, or high school diploma or equivalent.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, applicants eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. However, applicants claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation
with each application submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. For information on the supporting documentation required, click here. Applicants may fax their supporting documentation to People First at 1-888-403-2110.
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website:https://www.sss.gov
Job Posting: Senior Conservator, The Royal Ontario Museum (Ontario, Canada)
Senior Conservator – Permanent, Full Time
The Royal Ontario Museum is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Conservator specializing in the treatment of organic materials, particularly ethnographic objects, to join the museum’s multi-disciplinary conservation team.
The ROM’s ethnology collection is comprised of more than 50,000 artifacts representing indigenous communities around the world including from Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania. The diverse organic and composite materials and techniques presented are broad in scope with artifacts ranging from early 20th century canoes; to feathered Kayapo headdresses; to Tuareg leathers; to beadwork from the Blackfoot Nation.
Conservation care of the collections at the ROM is largely program driven and includes a busy schedule of conservation assessment and treatment, research, documentation, and work with curators and collections technicians on preventive conservation measures.
Participation in the full range of Museum activities including public consultation, programming, the training of interns and engagement in social media are also important aspects of the job.
Qualifications
Additional Details and How to Apply
Please include a cover letter, resume, and list of contact information for three professional references. Applications for this position will be reviewed beginning September 23, 2016, continuing until the position is filled. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, Canadians and qualified residents will be given priority.
The ROM is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.
Job Posting: Director of Conservation at West Lake Conservators (Skaneateles, NY)
West Lake Conservators, a mixed-specialty group practice, is currently seeking a competent, passionate, mid- to senior-level conservator with leadership qualities, who would assume the Director of Conservation position. The ideal candidate either specializes in paintings (our largest division) or paper; however, an object specialist may also be possible. We provide comprehensive preservation services for paintings, frames, murals, paper, photographs, painted objects, and textiles. The ideal candidate must demonstrate a high level of skill in the conservation lab and a broad range of experience necessary in their specialty, combined with general preservation knowledge and ethics, necessary to guide the other specialties operating procedures. As a practiced Conservator, the selected candidate will also be called upon to apply their skills directly to the treatment of artifacts. We work on a broad range of art and artifacts, both independently and in a team approach. Assistance with education of the public, workshops, and internships is required. Independent research and contributions to our field are encouraged. The selected candidate will become instrumental for managing the preservation activities of the WLC Laboratory and working with existing and future conservation staff to maintain the high standard of conservation care and treatment. Candidates must have a graduate level degree in conservation, or equivalent knowledge and abilities. A professional AIC standing or willingness to apply for PA or Fellow is required. Salary is commensurate with experience and productivity. Candidates with prior experience in private practice and in small business management will be given preferred consideration.
General Requirements
- Ongoing professional development through membership in professional organizations, attendance of conservation workshops, seminars, or professional conferences.
- Knowledge of preventive conservation practices relating to the care of historic and modern collections.
- Knowledge of modern museum practices, for the care of collections, including environmental control and monitoring, safe handling, display, storage, framing, crating, and shipping.
- Experience preparing and presenting reports, lectures, publications and seminars relating to conservation.
- Prior experience in private practice and management of the business’s laboratory practice including Safety, Environmental and Regulatory compliance.
- Experience estimating and monitoring costs for treatments on site, oversized, surveys, etc.
- US citizenship or Green Card; fluent in spoken and written English
- Physical strength to lift large and heavy artworks; ability to travel
- Strong interpersonal skills
West Lake Conservators
Established in 1975 in paintings we have evolved with a staff of 8-12 operating in roughly 4000 square feet. Clients from the private and non-profit sectors, include numerous surrounding colleges and universities as well as small to mid-sized museums and historic sites. We have a national reputation for our mural treatments, research in painting lining supports and disaster recovery contributions. Our outreach and community participation initiatives include educational workshops, seminars and collection management services.
West Lake Conservators is located in Skaneateles, New York, a picturesque historic town in the Finger Lakes of central NYS with an excellent school system, beautiful lake, annual music festival, terrific YMCA and relaxed life style. Many business models are possible with this opportunity.
Applicants
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and benefits are offered. The position is available immediately. Please email application materials to principals, susan@westlakeconservators.com and margie@westlakeconservators.com for further details. When applying, include your résumé with a letter of interest that outlines career goals and describes conservation specialties.
Visit our web site www.westlakeconservators.com to learn more about us.
Job Posting: Executive Director – CIAS Image Permanence Institute (Rochester, NY)
The Image Permanence Institute, a non-profit organization located on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY, is seeking an Executive Director. The Executive Director will provide leadership and strategic direction for the Image Permanence Institute (IPI) of RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences, a university-based laboratory devoted to preservation research and the development of sustainable practices for the preservation of images and cultural property. Through a balanced program of sponsored research, education, products, and services, and with annual operating income of $2M and 16 staff, IPI provides essential guidance and information, consulting and testing services, practical tools and preservation technology to libraries, archives, museums, and related industries worldwide. The Executive Director will guide IPI in supporting current initiatives and in developing new research and transformative paths to sustainable best practices. Candidates should have an Advanced Degree and 5+ years of leadership experience. Personal experience in the following areas will be considered: institutional management, preservation and/or conservation of collections; oversight of a multidisciplinary team; sustainable operations management; overseeing or conducting research; or other relevant professional experience.
How to Apply
To view the full job description and to be considered for this position, apply at: http://careers.rit.edu/staff/; click on “Search Openings“. Enter “2588BR” in the keyword search.
Additional Details
The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT does not discriminate. RIT is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity, pluralism, and inclusion. For more information or inquiries, please visit RIT/TitleIX or the U.S. Department of Education at ED.Gov.
About the Image Permanence Institute
The Image Permanence Institute® (IPI) is a recognized world leader in the development and deployment of sustainable practices for the preservation of images and cultural property. IPI accomplishes this through a balanced program of research, education, products, and services that meet the needs of individuals, companies, and institutions.
IPI® is a nonprofit, university-based laboratory devoted to preservation research. It is the world’s largest independent laboratory with this specific scope. Founded in 1985, IPI provides information, consulting services, practical tools and preservation technology to libraries, archives, and museums worldwide. The imaging and consumer preservation industries also use IPI’s consulting, testing and educational services.
Learn more: www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org/