Position at Freer and Sackler Galleries

Physical Scientist (Conservation)
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Washington DC
Department of Conservation and Scientific Research
Open period: November 3 - December 8, 2008
Announcement number: 08A-MS-294533-DEU-FSG

The Freer and Sackler Galleries have an opening for a conservation
scientist to perform research based on scientific methods upon works
of art and antiquities; perform scientific examinations of these
works of art and address and study a range of technical questions
that arise regarding their conservation.

The incumbent identifies and analyzes the complex materials used in
works of art and provides technical support for conservation efforts
of objects in the galleries' collection; uses classical wet chemical
methods, x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy,
emission and absorption spectroscopy, optical and chemical
microscopy, chromatography and other methods which may require
knowledge of modern instrumental techniques; performs library
research and uses a variety of resources to ascertain guidelines, to
discover relevant information in a specific technical field, and to
gather and evaluate pertinent bibliographic material; and records
and maintains records, in writing and using photography and other
methods as appropriate.

Specialized experience:  Applicants must have specialized experience
working with artists materials either in a laboratory or studio
setting; conducting scientific research that supports the historical
study or conservation of works of art; applying analytical methods
that use modern instrumental techniques; and communicating technical
and non-technical information to a variety of audiences verbally and
in writing.

Basis for rating: In addition to the Qualifications described above,
applicants will be rated on responses to the Quality Ranking Factors
listed below.  Applicants will need to fill out an online
questionnaire that will evaluate your experience, education, and/or
training that address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed
below:

    *   Knowledge of the principles, theories, and established
        methodologies of the physical sciences, such as organic and
        inorganic chemistry and related scientific disciplines such
        as materials science or physics.

    *   Knowledge of the materials, techniques and deterioration
        processes pertaining to works of art and archeological
        specimens.

    *   Ability to conduct scientific research that supports the
        historical study or conservation of works of art.

    *   Skill in application of analytical methods, such as
        classical wet chemical methods, chromatography, x-ray
        diffraction, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, emission and
        absorption spectroscopy, optical and chemical microscopy,
        and other methods that use modern instrumental techniques.

    *   Ability to communicate technical and non-technical
        information to a variety of audiences verbally and in
        writing.

You must apply for this position online. You will be required to
create an account and build a resume on <URL:http://www.usajobs.gov>
unless you previously established an account.  You will also be
asked to respond to assessment questions online.  To see a preview
of the questionnaire before applying, go to the "Qualifications and
Evaluations" tab and click on the link at the bottom of the page. If
you run into any technical difficulty during the online application
process, please go to <URL:http://www.usajobs.gov/contact.asp> or
contact the Human Resources Specialist identified within the vacancy
announcement.

You must be a U.S. citizen or national. Please see the position
announcement for further details and requirements of the application
process.

    <URL:http://www.si.edu/ohr>
    <URL:http://www.usajobs.opm.gov>


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 22:27
                 Distributed: Sunday, November 9, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-22-27-028
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