Post Doctoral Researcher, Art Conservation

The Department of Art Conservation at the University of Delaware is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a 2-year research and teaching position in the field of conservation science. This is a term position with a tentative start date of mid-August 2023.

The successful candidate will work at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in partnership with the University of Delaware, reporting to the head of the Scientific Research and Analysis Laboratory.

Responsibilities:

• Work with conservation scientists, conservators, curators, and conservation and material culture fellows at Winterthur and the University of Delaware on research projects inspired by a broad range of materials from the collections of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, and partner institutions.
• Provide analytical services to the Museums’ conservators, curators, and conservation and material culture fellows.
• Engage with academic and public audiences on a regular basis through museum and university educational programs.
• Teach a three-credit course “Scientific Theory for Conservation Practice” in the Fall and Spring within the first year curriculum of the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation. This will involve collaborating with faculty to revise the existing course syllabus, organize guest lecturers, if applicable, and prepare and revise course materials, including lectures, reading lists and assessment.
• Depending on the researcher’s interests and career goals there may be an option for additional teaching at the undergraduate level or prioritizing scholarly publications.

Qualifications:

A STEM Ph.D. is required.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated, high level of scientific achievement, and be sincerely motivated to pursue a career as a scientist in the field of cultural heritage. Experience with some spectroscopies and/or chromatographic techniques are required, while advanced computational and statistical analysis skills are desirable. Strong oral and written communications skills and a record of publication and public outreach is part of what defines a candidate ready for the responsibilities of this position. An interest in teaching and mentorship is essential. The candidate will share interest in arts and culture, and a commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Application:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application including the following:
  • An explanation of how the candidate meets the qualifications and requirements listed above.
  • A summary of the applicant’s research interests and intent in the position.
  • A brief description of the applicant’s teaching philosophy.
• Three contact references