Fellowship at National Gallery of Art

Fellowship in conservation science

Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation Des Collections / Centre
National de la Recherche Scientifique

Andrew W. Mellon / CNRS Fellowship in conservation science for the
study of reactions at the wet-dry interface in cellulosic materials

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC (NGA) and the Centre
de Recherche sur la Conservation des Collections / Centre National
de la Recherche Scientifique (CRCC/CNRS) in Paris are offering a
jointly sponsored fellowship for a maximum of three years.  The
fellowship includes an annual stipend and a small allowance for
research-related travel.  The amount of the stipend is commensurate
with the candidate's education and experience. The first year will
be spent in the NGA's Scientific Research Department, the second
year will be spent at CRCC and the third year will be shared between
CRCC and NGA.  The incumbent may enroll in a PhD program in Paris
during the fellowship period.  The incumbent will work under the
guidance of the NGA's and CRCC's scientists and is expected to
produce one or more publications and/or complete a PhD dissertation.

The subject of research will be reactions at the wet-dry interface
in cellulosic materials, which will be studied using
chromatographic, spectrometric and other methods, in particular
liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LCMS).  Formation of
brown lines at the wet-dry interface in cellulosic materials has
been described in the literature since the 1930s. Despite various
research efforts, the mechanism of the formation of these so-called
"tidelines" is not fully understood.  NGA and CRCC have started a
collaborative study of reactions that produce brown lines.  A better
understanding of the phenomenon and of possible ways to prevent it
is of relevance to the conservation, storage and treatment of
cultural objects made from cellulosic materials.  The inhibitory
effect of stabilizing additives and the role of paper structure and
composition will be studied in particular.

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 methods and 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. Knowledge of
the French language is desirable.  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 before starting the position.

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 including 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)

All application material should be received no later than January
14, 2008 and should be submitted via e-mail to m-skalka [at] nga__gov.
Documents should be in MS Word, RTF or PDF format.

Signed letters of recommendation should be sent to:

    Michael Skalka, Conservation Administrator
    Conservation Division
    National Gallery of Art
    2000B South Club Drive
    Landover, MD 20785
    USA

All applicants will be notified by February 19, 2008 of the decision
of the selection committee


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:32
                Distributed: Thursday, November 29, 2007
                       Message Id: cdl-21-32-004
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