The Art Institute of Chicago—Assistant Conservation Scientist The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is a world-renowned art museum housing one of the largest permanent collections in the United States. An encyclopedic museum, the Art Institute collects, preserves, and interprets works in every medium from all cultures and historical periods. With a collection of approximately 300,000 art works and artifacts, the museum has particularly strong holdings in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting, contemporary art, early 20th century European painting and sculpture, Japanese prints, and photography. The museum’s 2009 addition, the Modern Wing, features the latest in green museum technology and 264,000 square feet dedicated to modern and contemporary art, photography, architecture and design, and new museum education facilities. In addition to displaying its permanent collection, the Art Institute mounts more than 30 special exhibitions per year and features lectures, gallery tours, and special performances on a daily basis.
We currently have an opening for an Assistant Conservation Scientist who will work closely with the Conservation Science staff, fellows, conservators, curators, and educators to perform scientific analysis aimed at preserving, understanding and interpreting objects in the collections of the Art Institute. Under the guidance of the Conservation Scientist, the Assistant Conservation Scientist is expected to conduct independent, publishable research inspired by the collections, and to contribute to grant writing activities in support of the Conservation and Science department. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Perform scientific research to support treatment and preservation of the collections and to contribute to the broader study of works of art. Conduct analysis and applied research to advance studies into artists’ materials and techniques. 2. Test materials used in treatment, installation, mounting, and shipping of works of art. Provide advice and conduct research on environmental issues. 3. Operate analytical instruments (in particular XRF, FTIR, Raman, SEM/EDX and GC/MS), independently interpreting data, and writing analytical reports. 4. Assist Conservation Scientist in management of laboratory functions, including ordering chemicals and consumables, keeping storage organized, and maintaining equipment. 5. Maintain records of research and analysis, maintain sample archive, and enter data in the Museum’s object database as needed. 6. Work with Conservation Science staff to foster understanding and assimilation of scientific information among curators, conservators, collection managers, museum engineers, administrators, educators and other staff. 7. Contribute to grant writing activities in support of the Conservation and Science department. 8. Supervise fellows, interns and visiting scholars as needed. 9. Travel to attend conferences, present papers and confer with colleagues. 10. Publish results of research projects in Museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences. 11. Assume responsibility for special duties and projects as directed by the Conservation Scientist. Qualifications Master’s degree in one of the sciences with at least two years’ experience working in museums or other cultural heritage institutions or, alternatively, Ph.D. degree in one of the sciences with at least one year's museum or other cultural heritage work experience (Ph.D. preferred). Proficiency with advanced instrumental techniques for the characterization of artists’ materials (XRF, FTIR, Raman, SEM/EDX, GC/MS). Proven ability to conduct independent academic research required. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by a record of presentations and publications. Knowledge of one or more foreign language(s) desirable. Anticipated start date is fall of 2018 or earlier. ***For full consideration please submit cover letter, CV, pdf of 3 most relevant publications and two references*** (submit on-line as one attachment, system only allows for one document upload) Application deadline date: May 11, 2018 Direct all inquiries to [email protected] Application submission questions [email protected] Please apply at: https://hrweb.artic.edu/recruit/applyjob.html The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. -- Francesca Casadio, PhD Grainger Executive Director of Conservation and Science The Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Ave 60603 Chicago, IL tel.: 312.857.7647; e-mail: [email protected] Co-Director, *N*orthwestern *U*niversity/*A*rt Institute of *C*hicago *CE*nter for *S*cientific *S*tudies in the Arts (*NU-ACCESS*) http://nuaccess.northwestern.edu/ Adjunct Professor, Department of Chemistry, Weinberg College of Art and Sciences, Northwestern University <http://www.fromcantocanvas.fr/> <http://www.fromcantocanvas.fr/> -- *Mirroring China’s Past: Emperors and Their Bronzes* <http://www.artic.edu/exhibition/mirroring-china-s-past-emperors-and-their-bronzes> Through May 13 The Art Institute of Chicago Top Ranked in the World by TripAdvisor—Five Years in a Row ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
