Fellowship at NARA

Charles E. Culpeper Advanced Training Fellowship in Conservation
    Science
Conservation Division
National Gallery of Art
Washington DC

The conservation division of the National Gallery of Art,
Washington, DC, is offering a fellowship in the scientific research
department supported by the Charles E. Culpeper Foundation.  The
three-year fellowship includes an annual stipend of $30,000 plus a
modest amount for research-related travel.  The fellow is expected
to carry out research relevant to the collections of the National
Gallery of Art.

The fellowship will preferably be directed toward research into the
optical characteristics or the fluorescence of works of art under
ultraviolet light.  A proposed research area is that of the optical
processes governing interaction of light with the surfaces of
paintings and the effects on their appearance.  This may include a
study of how surface topography of paintings influences light
scattering, and of changes in the topography occurring as a result
of aging and/or conservation treatments, such as cleaning or
varnishing.

An alternative area of research is that of fluorescence spectroscopy
of paintings and of painting materials, with the aim of developing a
better understanding of the fluorescence of paintings under
ultraviolet radiation, and the possibility of developing analytical
methods for the characterization of materials.  Although the above
mentioned research areas are preferred, candidates may direct their
research to other topics.

The fellow will have access to the Gallery's collections and to
advanced analytical instrumentation.  The fellow will work under the
guidance of the Gallery's scientists and is expected to collaborate
with conservators and curators.  Lectures, symposia, and informal
discussions at the National Gallery of Art contribute to the
fellowship program.  The fellow is expected to produce one or more
publications during the fellowship period.

Eligibility: Candidates should have a graduate degree in one of the
sciences or equivalent training.  The degree must have been obtained
within the last five years.  Candidates must be familiar with
relevant scientific instrumentation.  A strong interest in art
conservation is required and previous experience in art conservation
is desirable. English language skills and a proven record of
research and writing ability are required.  Fellowships are awarded
without regard to age, sex, nationality, or race.  Finalists who are
not United States citizens must provide proof of their own health
insurance coverage during the fellowship period.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates must submit the
following materials in English:

    Transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of
    academic study (unofficial copies are acceptable)

    A curriculum vitae that includes basic biographical information,
    current and permanent addresses, and telephone numbers

    a short statement of the candidate's interests and intent in
    applying for the fellowship

    Reprints of publications

    Two letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with
    the candidate's work and one letter of personal reference (sent
    directly to the address below)

Formal applications and supporting materials must be postmarked and
mailed or be sent via an express delivery service no later than
October 20, 2003 to:

    Michael Skalka
    Conservation Administrator
    Conservation Division
    National Gallery of Art 2000B
    South Club Drive
    Landover MD 20785 U.S.A.
    m-skalka [at] nga__gov (E-mail address for inquiries only)

All applicants will be notified by December 15, 2003 of the decision
of the selection committee.

Rene de la Rie
National Gallery of Art

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:28
               Distributed: Wednesday, September 10, 2003
                       Message Id: cdl-17-28-014
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