Postdoctoral researcher in the field of cellulose and paper analytics - Centre de recherches sur la conservation des collections, CRC, MNHN, Paris
A Post-doctoral Research position is available for a curious, competent, motivated, responsible and independent individual to work on the impact of X-ray irradiation on cultural heritage cellulosic materials The research will be carried out at CRC (http://crc.mnhn.fr), National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) in central Paris under the supervision of Dr Anne-Laurence Dupont and at IPANEMA (http://www.synchrotron-soleil.fr/portal/page/portal/Recherche/IPANEMA), Synchrotron SOLEIL in Saclay under the supervision of Dr Mathieu Thoury and Dr Sebastian Schoeder. Mission X-ray analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction are widely used to study artworks on paper. X-ray irradiation ionizes atoms and is prone to induce damage in cultural heritage materials. The aim of the research proposed is: (i) to develop new strategies to detect and (ii) characterize the impact of X-ray irradiation on the physical and chemical structure of paper. Portable XRF instruments and mononochromatic X-ray synchrotron beams will be used. The modifications of the material at the micro scale will be investigated as a function of dose and dose rate as well as its reciprocity correlation. Damage at the macroscopic and mesoscopic level of the cellulosic fibre will be detected using UV photoluminescence spectral imaging and infrared absorption spectroscopy. Macromolecular and molecular changes will be monitored using size-exclusion chromatography and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. The outcome of the research shall enable developing safer analytical procedures for the use of X-rays directly on paper artworks. Requirements The preferred candidate has recently finished her/his PhD in analytic and/or organic chemistry. She/he will have carried out experimental work using chromatographic separation techniques and/or mass spectrometry and will have a confirmed knowledge of XRF. A good understanding of cellulosic materials as well as a strong interest in cultural heritage preservation issues would be an asset. Language skills (French and English) are essential because collaboration work is envisaged with international research institutes. Being highly motivated and the ability to work in a team will also be important prerequisites. General conditions Fixed-term contract (12 months, full time) starting June 2017 Salary paid according to CNRS salary scale Applications should include a motivation letter and Curriculum Vitae, preferably with the name/addresses of two references. Contact: anne-laurence.dup...@mnhn.fr ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anne-Laurence Dupont Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation (CRC) Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS USR 3224 36 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, CP21 FR-75005 Paris Tel +33 1 40 79 53 07 / Fax +33 1 40 79 53 12 http://crc.mnhn.fr ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to consdistlist-le...@cool.conservation-us.org Archives through August 2016 at http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/ Archives from September 2016 onward at https://www.mail-archive.com/consdistlist@cool.conservation-us.org/
