Postdoctoral Position Conservation Science

Are you a researcher with a strong background in the (preventive) conservation of paintings? The Chemistry for Conservation and Art team at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Science has a vacant postdoctoral position in the PREPARE project. The aim of this position is to monitor the indoor climate in historical buildings and the physical state of paintings in those climates. Driven by the climate crisis and a desire to save costs, the cultural heritage field is experiencing a push to widen the tolerances for indoor climates for art collections. However, for many materials in paintings we lack reliable data to do so safely. In the PREPARE project, we will study wax-resin lined oil paintings on-site in uncontrolled indoor climates, as these cases are seen as a valuable source of information to investigate the relation between climate conditions and painting stability. This postdoctoral position was funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) in the call ‘An Integrated Approach to the Scientific Study and Conservation of Art – Tracing change’, in the context of the Netherlands Institute for Conservation, Art, Science (NICAS). The project team also includes experts from the Rijkmseum, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) and Stichting Restauratie Atelier Limburg (SRAL).

What are you going to do

You will work closely with SRAL to select a series of case studies (wax-resin lined oil paintings), and characterize their current state, conservation history and historical environment. You will also collaborate with the project team members to develop reliable non-invasive monitoring protocols. These two tasks come together in a long-term on-site monitoring campaign of both material reconstructions and the case studies.

You will/tasks:

• carry out archival and analytical research on the case studies;
• write condition reports on the case studies using previously collected data and newly acquired measurements on objects and/or their samples;
• deploy an environmental monitoring setup;
• design and execute a long-term monitoring campaign using non-invasive techniques on the case studies on-site;
• communicate and coordinate with fellow project team members;
• present your research in scientific publications and at (inter)national conferences;

What we look for

You are a strongly motivated researcher, taking the lead to organize measurements and set up collaborations with other experts. You can work independently but know when to ask for support. You have the ability to work methodically and look at results of research with a critical mindset. You communicate with clarity to people with various levels of understanding of your work.

Your experience and profile:

• a PhD degree or 4 years of research experience in conservation, conservation science or related field
• proven experience with writing condition reports and non-invasive analytical techniques
• excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• a willingness and ability to travel regularly to case study sites

Experience with environmental monitoring, chemical analysis or mechanical testing are considered a plus.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 19 hours per week (0.5 FTE), preferably starting as soon as possible, for the duration of 24 months. An extension is possible. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3,345 - €5,278 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;

Where you will work

The Chemistry for Conservation and Art team at HIMS spans the four research themes. They focus on the investigation of change mechanisms, kinetics and transport processes in cultural heritage materials using various types of spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and tailored design of model systems. The PREPARE project is led by principal investigator dr Joen Hermans, and will be executed in collaboration with experts from the Rijkmseum, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) and Stichting Restauratie Atelier Limburg (SRAL). The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics. The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 20 December 2024 at latest. Applications in .pdf should include:

• a detailed CV including a list of publications. Please write the months and not just years when referring to your education and work experience;
• a cover letter (max 2 pages) that explains your motivation to apply for this position and highlights the parts of your CV that make you suited for the position;
• contact details of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

We will invite potential candidates for interviews within 3 weeks after the closing date. A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• dr Joen Hermans, Assistant Professor Conservation Science
• j.j.hermans@uva.nl