Head of Conservation & Science

A leading role in conservation and research

You lead the Conservation & Science department, comprising the subdepartments of Objecten, Schilderijen & Lijsten, Papier & Foto’s and Science. Together, you are responsible for the long-term preservation of the collection through conservation and scientific research. You bring a clear vision for the field, build on existing strengths, and work with the Heads of the subdepartments to translate this into a coherent strategy and a clear direction for the future.

You foster a professional working environment in which specialists can work to their strengths, deepen their expertise, and create space for professional reflection and development. You ask the right questions and bring together perspectives across disciplines, both within and beyond the museum. You actively collaborate with Curators and Collection Management, as well as with national and international partners. You contribute to fundraising in line with the chosen strategy. You understand both the practice of conservation and the role of scientific research in advancing knowledge of the collection.

Your key responsibilities are:

• Provide leadership to the department and ensure quality and cohesion;
• Develop and implement the strategy for Conservation & Science;
• Safeguard the long-term preservation of the collection;
• Facilitate scientific research;
• Represent the museum within the national and international field and contribute to collaborations and knowledge exchange.

Working for the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is for and by everyone. It presents 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to the present day, through 8,000 objects on display in 80 galleries. The Philips Vleugel hosts a programme of exhibitions each year, featuring works from the collection alongside loans from institutions in the Netherlands and abroad. Here, colleagues work together on the care, interpretation and presentation of art and history. From this shared responsibility, we continue to shape a museum that is accessible, sustainable and relevant for the future.

The Conservation & Science department is responsible for the conservation and scientific research of the collection. As a centre of expertise, the department collaborates closely with universities and heritage institutions and is part of the Netherlands Institute for Conservation, Art & Science (NICAS). You lead a team of approximately 65 colleagues across four subdepartments. Each subdepartment is led by a Head of Subdepartment. Together, you form the management team of Conservation & Science and report to the General Director.

What will you contribute?

We are looking for an experienced leader within a museum context, with a strong understanding of how conservation and scientific research contribute to the long-term care of the collection and its presentation to the public. You engage confidently with senior leadership and external partners, weigh different interests and provide clear direction where needed. You show curiosity for the field and for the people working in it, and you support professional development and ongoing dialogue on conservation, research and presentation.

Additionally, you have:

• An academic level of thinking and working;
• Proven knowledge of conservation and scientific research;
• Insight into and affinity with scientific research within a museum context;
• Experience in a leadership role within an organisation with multiple disciplines and interests, with a strong understanding of organisational dynamics and a strong awareness of people;
• A relevant national and international network;
• A good command of Dutch, or willingness to learn the language in the short term.

What will you get in return?

You will be given the chance to work in and behind the scenes of a leading, internationally oriented museum, together with dedicated specialists. In addition, we offer:

• A gross monthly salary of € 5.909,00 tot € 8.986,00 (Schaal 15 of the collective agreement for museums) per month, based on a 36-hour working week;
• 8% holiday bonus and 3.4% year-end bonus;
• A fixed-term contract of 36  hours for 1 year with the intention to extend;
• The possibility to alternate between working from home and from the office, including a budget to furnish your home office appropriately;
• Full public transport allowance (up to €367,50) if commuting further than 5 km. Any expenses for secure bicycle storage at the station are also fully reimbursed;
• After your probation period, you will receive a ICOM-card offering unlimited access to more than 450 museums in the Netherlands and internationally. And you can always bring one guest to the Rijksmuseum for free (during opening hours);
• Participation in various events and sports activities, such as the Rijksrun and our summer and winter parties.

How to Apply:

Apply now and submit your application before Monday, June 8. We warmly welcome applications from all interested candidates. If you need support during the application process, please let us know, we’re happy to assist you. This is how the application process will be managed:

1. Once we receive your CV and motivation letter, we’ll get to work on your application.
2. Do we see a match? We would like to schedule a first interview on Thursday, June 18. We look forward to getting to know you.
3. If this interview is positive, we will invite you to a second interview on Monday, June 29, during which we will ask you to present the prepared assignment.
4. If we are both enthusiastic, you will receive an offer from us.

   *An assessment will be part of the procedure and will take place in week 27.

For further information, please contact Idelette van Leeuwen (Head of paper and photo conservation) via i.van.leeuwen@rijksmuseum.nl .

If we receive a sufficient number of applications, we may close the vacancy before the stated closing date. Unfortunately, applications submitted after the vacancy has closed will not be considered.

Only applications submitted via the Rijksmuseum website will be processed. Applications sent by email will not be considered.