Positions at Rathgen Research Laboratory

Conservation Scientists
Rathgen Research Laboratory
National Museums
Berlin

Job reference: RF 1-2008.

The Rathgen Research Laboratory, which forms part of the National
Museums Berlin, is currently seeking to fill positions for two
Conservation Scientists.

The positions are graded at grade 13 TVoD (Collective Agreement for
the German public service). The grading is provisional, as the
grading agreement under the collective agreement has so far not been
finalised.

The Rathgen Research Laboratory is the leading institution for
conservation science, art technology and archaeometry at the
National Museums in Berlin . It carries out investigations on a
broad variety of materials within the museum environment and focuses
its research on scientific issues concerning the care of monuments
and archaeological sites. It carries forward the tradition of the
world's oldest scientific museum laboratory, the Chemical Laboratory
of the Royal Museums in Berlin, which was founded on April 1, 1888
and bears the name of its first director, Friedrich Rathgen.

Main activities/Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will be able to apply advanced knowledge of
scientific research as it relates to art conservation. She/he will
work closely with conservators and curators across interdisciplinary
lines in an extremely diversified and intellectually stimulating
environment. She/he will examine works of art, perform tests,
analyze and interpret results using the specialized equipment of the
laboratory. She/he will supervise and guide technical staff, interns
and visiting scholars and will play a important part in the
development of a high-quality, scientifically based research and
advisory service and a network of collaborative partners within the
National Museums and beyond.

The laboratory is equipped with modern analytical devices and
methods, e.g. optical and scanning electron microscopy (ESEM/EDS),
portable and traditional X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF und XRF), X-Ray
Diffraction (XRD), Infrared (FT-IR) and UV-VIS Spectroscopy,
Pyrolysis- Gas Chromatography (Py-GC/MS), High Performance Liquid
Chromatography (HPLC), Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS),
Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS), optically stimulated
(OSL) and Thermoluminescence (TL), non-destructive
Ultrasonic-Testing, as well as further methods for the determination
of physico-mechanical parameters of materials. It also has at its
disposal artificial ageing chambers for climatic simulation and
mobile systems for the monitoring of the physical and chemical
environment in the collections and on site.

Requirements:

    Advanced knowledge of scientific research proven by the
    completion of a PhD in the fields of natural or conservation
    science.

    A minimum of three years' experience in scientific research in
    the areas of conservation science and/or art technology and/or
    archaeometry.

    Experience in a museum conservation or monument preservation
    environment is desirable.

    Strong verbal/writing communication skills as well as experience
    and interest in teamwork in an interdisciplinary environment.

    Willingness to engage with scientific problems beyond the own
    key research areas

    Good knowledge of German and English as well as experience in
    chemical hygiene procedures is essential. Basic knowledge of
    French or a further foreign language is desirable.

The Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz is an equal opportunities
employer as set out by Bundesgleichstellungsgesetz (Federal Equal
Opportunities Act). Applications from female applicants are welcome.
Applicants with disabilities will be considered with priority in
cases of equal qualification. Applicants must be prepared to adjust
their working times to work requirements.

Please send your application with the customary documents to the
following address, quoting job reference RF 1-2008 by April 11, 2008

    Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz
    Der Prasident
    Sachgebiet I 2 c
    Von-der-Heydt-Str. 16-18
    10785 Berlin.

Please do not apply by email. If you would like the documents
submitted returned to you, please enclose a SAE. For further
information please contact

    Gunther Mittag
    +49 30 25463 216
    mittag<-a t->hv< . >spk-berlin< . >de


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:50
                 Distributed: Wednesday, March 26, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-21-50-025
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