Fellowship at National Gallery of Art

Advanced Training Fellowship in Imaging Science of Works of Art
at the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, with support from the
Samuel H. Kress and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundations, is offering a
three-year advanced training fellowship in imaging science applied
to the study of works of art.  The fellowship includes an annual
stipend and allowances for research related travel. The stipend is
commensurate with the candidate's education and experience. The
fellow will work in the Scientific Research Department, Conservation
Division, under the guidance of the Senior Imaging Scientist and is
expected to collaborate with the Gallery 's scientists, conservators
and curators.

Research Program: The Gallery is developing and optimizing imaging
based in-situ (non-invasive) tools to help address questions of
material identification and construction methods in works of art.
The spectral range and technologies being investigated are large and
include,

    High spatial resolution hyperspectral and multispectral infrared
    imaging of paintings to improve the visualizing of preparatory
    sketches and compositional paint changes. See

       "Visible and infrared reflectance imaging spectroscopy of
        paintings: pigment mapping and improved infrared
        reflectography: Optics for Arts, Architecture, and
        Archaeology II". Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 7391, pp.
        739103-739103-8 (2009).

    Reflectance and luminescence imaging spectroscopy in the visible
    to infrared to help in identifying and mapping artist pigments
    and materials such as binders. See

       "Visible and Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy of Picasso's
        Harlequin Musician: Mapping and Identification of Artist
        Materials in situ", Applied Spectroscopy 64, 6, 584 (2010).

    Spectral and spatial image processing algorithms. See

       "Towards Automatic Registration", Computer Vision and Image
        Analysis of Art II, Proceedings of SPIE Volume: 7869 (2011).

The results of these techniques are being evaluated by comparison to
results obtained from more traditional analytical methods, carried
out by scientists in the Gallery 's well-equipped scientific
research department. This work is being done in collaboration with
researchers at academic institutions and other research laboratories
such as those at George Washington University. The Gallery has
several high performance visible and infrared multispectral and
scanning hyperspectral cameras, a 2-D scanner, a diffuse reflectance
visible to infrared fiber optic spectrometer as well as transmission
and luminescence spectrometers.

Training: The Fellow will receive training in the areas of visible
and infrared imaging spectroscopy and its application to art
conservation.  They will also receive training in visible and
infrared imaging and spectral image processing.  The Fellow will
also have opportunities to work on research projects with
conservation scientists and conservators using these methods to
further their knowledge and skill level.

Responsibilities of the Fellow: The Fellow will help in the design,
construction and testing of instrumentation and in developing
analytical procedures and tools.  The Fellow will produce written
reports, present research results at the department level as well as
at scientific and conservation meetings and publish at least one
paper in a scholarly scientific journal.

Eligibility: Candidates should have a graduate degree in one of the
physical sciences, or equivalent training with a specialization in
at least one of the three areas; reflectance, luminescence or
vibrational spectroscopy. The degree must have been obtained within
the last five years. Candidates must be familiar with relevant
scientific methods and instrumentation associated with digital
imaging and spectroscopy. A strong interest in art conservation and
image science is required and previous experience in art
conservation is desirable. English-language skills and a proven
record of research and writing ability are required. 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: Prospective applicants must submit three letters of
recommendation, CV and graduate transcript.  A letter from the
candidate should also be submitted expressing why they are
interested in the position and how their unique background makes
them suitable.  Please indicate in the cover letter clearly that you
are applying for the Kress/Mellon Advanced Training Fellowship. All
applications should be submitted by February 1, 2012 and selection
of a candidate is expected to be made by March 1, 2012.

Applications should be addressed to:

    Mr. Michael Skalka
    Conservation Administrator, DCL
    National Gallery of Art
    2000B South Club Drive
    Landover MD 20785


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:30
                Distributed: Tuesday, December 27, 2011
                       Message Id: cdl-25-30-016
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