Fellowship at Art Institute of Chicago

A.W. Mellon Research Fellowship in Conservation Science
Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago has an immediate opening for a
Fellowship in the Conservation Science Department supported by the
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The position will provide the
successful candidate with a unique career development opportunity in
conservation science research. The fellow will gain experience
working in a major art museum and contribute to an ongoing research
project on Pablo Picasso's use of non-artists' paints (e.g. house
paints) in the early 1900s. The fellowship will focus on two main
activities: the analysis of early twentieth-century paint reference
samples using XRF, FTIR, and possibly GC-MS analysis, and research
and reconstructions of contemporary commercial paint formulations.
Reporting to the Conservation Scientist, the Fellow will work
closely with the Assistant Conservation Scientist, Conservation
Microscopist, Conservation Fellows, Conservators and Curators.

The Conservation Science facilities at the Art Institute of Chicago
are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation: research
microscopes (polarized light and reflectance/UV fluorescence); Raman
and FTIR microspectroscopy, portable XRF spectrometry, gas
chromatography/mass spectrometry, X-radiography and IR
reflectography. In addition, the Museum has an ongoing collaborative
program in conservation science with the Robert R. McCormick School
of Engineering and Applied Science and the Chemistry Department at
Northwestern University and with the Advanced Photon Source at
Argonne National Lab, providing access to advanced research and
analytical facilities and to faculty with a wide range of expertise
in the physical sciences.

Eligibility: Open to applicants from a conservation or science
background with a graduate degree or equivalent training. Knowledge
of the most commonly used instrumental techniques for the
characterization of organic and inorganic materials is required.
Previous experience in the conservation field is preferable, but a
strong interest in the visual arts and willingness to explore new
areas of applied research are the most important qualities sought.
Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience, and
includes health benefits. The duration of the fellowship will be for
12 months. The start date is negotiable but preferably as early in
2008 as possible.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter detailing relevant experience
and career objectives with resume, reprints of relevant publications
and three letters of recommendation to:

    The Art Institute of Chicago
    Human Resources, MC/046
    111 S. Michigan Ave
    Chicago, IL 60603
    Fax: 312-857-0141
    aic.jobs [at] artic__edu

Please direct questions to:

    Gwenaelle Gautier, PhD
    Assistant Conservation Scientist
    The Art Institute of Chicago
    111 South Michigan Ave
    Chicago, IL 60603
    312-443-7290
    Fax: 312-541-1959
    ggautier [at] artic__edu

or

    Kim Muir, PhD
    A.W. Mellon Conservation Research Fellow
    The Art Institute of Chicago
    111 South Michigan Ave
    Chicago, IL 60603
    312-443-9196
    Fax: 312-541-1959
    kmuir [at] artic__edu

Formal applications and supporting materials are due by January 31,
2008. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access
employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.

Kim Muir
A. W. Mellon Conservation Research Fellow
The Art Institute of Chicago
Department of Conservation
111 S Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603-6404
312-443-9196
Fax: 312-541-1959


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:35
                Distributed: Tuesday, December 18, 2007
                       Message Id: cdl-21-35-024
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