Fellowship at Art Institute of Chicago

Conservation Science Fellowship
Art Institute of Chicago

Temporary position ending December 31, 2015

Duties: Fully integrated into the activities of the department of
conservation science, the fellow will perform scientific analysis in
support of ongoing scholarly research of Paul Gauguin's graphic
production.  A thorough investigation of the artist's materials,
techniques, and his unconventional manipulations of them will
include media identification, pigment and binder analysis with
non-invasive and micro-invasive techniques, as well as technical
imaging of a selection of the most important examples of the
outstanding museum holdings of over 200 works of art on paper by the
artist.  The fellow will work closely with the senior research
conservator in paper conservation who is examining the works, museum
scientists and curators, producing analytical reports to be
incorporated in the technical essays for the online scholarly
catalog on Gauguin slated to be published in December of 2015.
Collaboration with NU-ACCESS scientists who are working on advanced
imaging of the surface texture and morphology of a sub-set of
drawings and monotypes by Gauguin is also envisioned.  The
fellowship will provide enriching professional development
opportunities to the fellow while enabling the museum to reinforce
its mission to study, preserve, and interpret its collection.  The
fellow will obtain supervised hands-on training in the scientific
examination of works of art, developing a unique professional
expertise and honing his/her skills in applied research and
technical writing.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

    Carries out technical studies and scientific analysis of works
    of art on paper by Paul Gauguin, learning to formulate a
    research plan starting from art historical or conservation
    questions.

    In collaboration with conservators examines work of art to study
    artist's technique, ascertain physical condition, and identify
    areas of damage and restoration using such techniques as
    microscopic examination, and the examination of ultraviolet and
    infra-red images, as well as x-radiographs.

    Performs instrumental analysis of samples.  In particular,
    carries out non-invasive preliminary examination of pigments,
    fillers and other inorganic materials with X-Ray Fluorescence
    spectrometry and reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR)
    spectroscopy.  Performs independent analysis of samples with
    scanning electron microscopy/ energy dispersive x-ray analysis
    (SEM/EDX) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for
    elemental and molecular characterization respectively. When
    opportune, performs supervised specialized Raman or
    Gas-chromatography/ Mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis.

    Conducts pigment sampling with assistance and carries out
    subsequent instrumental analysis of samples.

    Writes reports of scientific analysis performed.

    Collaborates to building new knowledge on the materials and
    methods of 19th century French artists, in collaboration with
    conservation and curatorial staff.

    Travels to collaborating institutions and presents findings at
    conferences when appropriate.

    Undertakes special tasks and projects at supervisor's request.

Qualifications Graduate degree in one of the sciences or
conservation (M.S. or Ph.D. degrees) or equivalent training. Working
knowledge of instrumental techniques for the characterization of
artists' materials required.  Previous experience in the analysis of
works of art required.  Proven ability to conduct independent
academic research required.  Must have excellent verbal and written
communications skills.

To apply complete an online application at

    <URL:https://csweb.artic.edu/recruit/applyjob.html>

Deadline for submitting applications is August 22, 2014.

Please include two letters of references and PDFs of two selected
publications to your application

Application Time Out Warning: The Art Institute of Chicago requires
all applicants to complete an online application to be considered
for employment.  60 minutes are allotted for applicants to complete
the employment application.  The application will automatically time
out after 60 minutes.  If you are unable to submit the completed
application at this time, please choose the "Save for Later" option
to avoid losing the information you have entered so far.

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

For information please email

    Francesca Casadio
    Andrew W. Mellon Senior Conservation Scientist
    fcasadio<-a t->artic< . >edu

Francesca Casadio, PhD
Andrew W. Mellon Senior Conservation Scientist
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave
60603 Chicago, IL
312-857-7647;


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