Position at Indianapolis Museum of Art

Senior scientist
Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA)

The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) is seeking a senior scientist
to lead the establishment of a comprehensive analytical laboratory
at the museum and to conduct research in support of preservation,
conservation treatment, and understanding of the museum's collection
of more than 54,000 works of art.

The IMA is among the ten largest and oldest encyclopedic art museums
in the United States, and features significant collections of
African, American, Asian, European and contemporary art, as well as
a newly established collection of design arts. The collections
include paintings, sculpture (including an outdoor sculpture park),
furniture, decorative arts and design objects, prints, drawings and
photographs, as well as textiles and costumes. The conservation
department, occupying 7,700 square feet, has a staff of six
conservators (in paintings, paper, objects, and textiles), two
conservation technicians, an administrative assistant, and a
half-time digital imaging specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The scientist will work with the head of conservation and the
buildings department to plan and implement the construction of the
new science laboratory, purchase and maintain analytical equipment,
formulate an operating budget, develop policies and procedures, and
assist with fundraising efforts for the establishment of the
laboratory and longer-term goals.  He/She will establish goals for
the research and analytical section, plan and undertake research
programs, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.  Collaboration with
IMA conservators and curators, and researchers from other museums,
academia, and industry will be strongly encouraged, as will
publication in the professional literature and participation in
symposia, seminars, and other professional meetings.

Qualifications:
Required:

*    PhD in one of the physical sciences; a strong background in
organic materials science or polymer science is desirable

    Skill in the scientific examination of works of art composed of
    a broad range of materials, both organic and inorganic, as well
    as experience with sample preparation, Raman microscopy, FTIR,
    XRD, XRF, US-VIS spectrophotometry, GC/MS and pyrolysis GC/MS,
    HPLC, TL, and other appropriate analytical methods

    General knowledge of artists' materials and technology as well
    as conservation materials

    Considerable previous experience in a museum conservation
    environment

    Excellent written and verbal English communication skills

    Interest in collaborative and multi-disciplinary research

Preferred:

    A record of peer-reviewed publications

    Proven ability to work within a team environment

Generous funding from Lilly Endowment, Inc. and The Andrew W. Mellon
Foundation make this important initiative possible.

Interested candidates should send a curriculum vitae and letter of
interest to the IMA's Human Resources department.  You may e-mail to
hr<-at->imamuseum<.>org; send by mail or fax to:

    The Indianapolis Museum of Art
    Human Resources
    4000 Michigan Road
    Indianapolis IN 46208
    317-920-2655

by June 1, 2009

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Kathleen Kiefer
Senior Conservator of Textiles
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park
Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens
4000 Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN  46208-3326
317-923-1331 x155
Fax: 317-926-8931


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 22:58
                  Distributed: Sunday, April 12, 2009
                       Message Id: cdl-22-58-028
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