Candidate in Conservation Science

Are you looking for a challenging position in a dynamic setting? The Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture (AHM) currently has a vacant PhD position as part of the NWO funded project "Black Magic - (Re)discovering the development and changes of black woollens quality standards in the 18th-century Leiden's staalmeesters sample books", led by principal investigators Dr. Ana F. A. Serrano and prof. Maarten R. van Bommel.

PhD candidate in conservation science, with a strong interest in textiles

Within the Black Magic project, we are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate with a background in conservation science or analytical chemistry with a strong interest in textiles and textile history, or in textile conservation or technical art history with a strong affinity with analytical chemistry. Museum De Lakenhal holds a unique collection of sample books (1690-1791), with hundreds of black wool samples produced in Leiden. The city followed strict regulations and used several grades to control the quality of its black woollens, which were often meant for export.

Yet, the samples for each quality grade vary considerably, suggesting that this control was not as standardised as initially assumed. By studying these books and their wool samples, this project aims to (re-)discover the development and changes of 18th-century Leiden quality-control standards, and establish the city's role in the globalisation of trade in textiles and textile materials.

The research will be supported by a postdoctoral researcher who will focus on historical and archival research and the transcription and interpretation of the written information present in the sample books. You will work together with the postdoctoral researcher to develop the historical reconstructions. The research will be carried out in collaboration with Museum de Lakenhal and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, within the framework of the Netherlands Institute for Conservation, Arts and Science.

This is what you will be doing

As PhD candidate you will mainly focus on the material aspects of the woollens samples in the books. You will study these samples with a wide range of analytical techniques, such as multispectral imaging, liquid chromatography, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman and FTIR. In addition to material characterisation, the PhD candidate will also study historical publications with an emphasis on historical dye recipes and background into early modern production of black woollens. A part of the research will focus on creating historical dye reconstructions, based on these historical sources. The research will be fundamental to establish the standardization of inspection practices and trace changes in quality standards throughout the 18th century. Moreover, it will contribute to defining the condition of the samples, furthering conclusions about their preservation, and their use as references for the study of other black woollen heritage.

This is what we ask of you

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Submission of a PhD thesis within the period of appointment;
• Collaborate with the postdoctoral researcher to develop historically-informed reconstructions;
• Carry out analytical research of the mock-ups generated from the historical reconstructions, and sampling and research of a selection of samples from the sample books;
• Participating in meetings of the project research group and developing a shared database;
• Publishing 3 to 4 peer-reviewed articles;
• Presenting intermediate research results at workshops and conferences;
• Organising knowledge dissemination activities, including workshops and an expert meeting along with the postdoctoral researcher;
• Assist with teaching master's level courses in the 2nd and 3rd year of the PhD (max. 0.2 FTE);
• Participation in the Research School and Faculty of Humanities PhD training programmes.

What do you have to offer?

We seek an ambitious PhD candidate who has a very strong interest in textiles, analytical chemistry and art history. You enjoy close collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team of analytical chemists, conservators and art historians. Candidates with either a cross-disciplinary / interdisciplinary background, or have a strong interest in developing their skills are especially encouraged to apply.

Candidates need to have the following qualifications:

• A completed Master's degree in Conservation Science, Analytical Chemistry, Technical Art History, (Textile) Conservation, or an equivalent degree.
• Excellent research skills demonstrated by an outstanding Master's thesis and a demonstrable capacity to develop a track record of publishing in high-ranking journals and/or with leading presses;
• A strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research;
• Enthusiasm for communicating academic research to non-academic audiences;
• Good command of English and the willing to learn Dutch;
• Proven experience (or at least minimal knowledge with interpreting data) with at least two of the following analytical techniques: multispectral imaging, liquid chromatography, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, FTIR, transmitted light microscopy, or colour spectroscopy.

This interdisciplinary position could be fulfilled by either a candidate with a degree in Conservation Science or Chemistry with a strong affinity with textiles, or a degree in Textile Conservation or Technical Art History with a strong affinity with analytical chemistry. Experience with preparation of (historical) reconstructions, or technical analysis of art materials is considered a plus.

Please note that if you already hold a doctorate/PhD or are working towards obtaining a similar degree elsewhere, you will not be admitted to a doctoral programme at the UvA.

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary employment contract for the period of 48 months. The first contract will be for 16 months, with an extension for the following 32 months, contingent on a positive performance evaluation within the first 12 months. The employment contract is for 38 hours a week. The preferred starting date is 01 March 2024. Your salary is in the first year of the employment contract € 2,872 and in the last year a maximum of € 3,670 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. Favourable tax agreements may apply to applicants moving from abroad.

What else do we offer?

• PhD candidates receive a tuition fee waiver;
• PhD candidates have free access to courses offered by the Graduate School of Humanities and the Dutch National Research Schools;
• Excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
• An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
• An enthusiastic and professional academic team.

This is where you'll be working

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds. The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in the field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. We will accept applications until 1 January 2025. Your application should include the following information:

• A letter of motivation (max. 1 A4);
• A full academic CV, listing at least full address and contact details, previous education, relevant employment, conference presentations and publications (if applicable), grants/honours (if applicable), language proficiency;
• A list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades;
• The names and email addresses of two references, including your adviser, who may be approached by the selection committee.

Please submit the required information in 1 pdf by uploading in the required field 'CV'.

The first round of interviews will be held on December 18.

If you have any questions about the position or the department, please contact during office hours:

• Maarten van Bommel, Professor of Conservation Science
• m.r.vanbommel@uva.nl