Position at Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH)

Postdoctoral Associate in Conservation Science
Yale Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH)

Yale's Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage,
established by a transformational gift from Lisbet Rausing and Peter
Baldwin, '78, is dedicated to advancing the field of heritage
science by improving the science and practice of conservation in a
sustainable manner.  At the crossroads between science and art, the
Institute is home to state-of-the-art conservation, research, and
imaging laboratories

    <URL:http://ipch.yale.edu>

A position of a Postdoctoral Associate in Conservation Science is
open in the IPCH Sustainable Conservation Laboratory (SCL).  This is
a full-time, two-year position, reporting to the Head of the
Sustainable Conservation Laboratory.

The research focus of the IPCH SCL is directed towards sustainable
safeguarding of cultural heritage by understanding and assessing the
environmental impact on heritage materials and objects as well as
developing tools for integrated risk management and energy efficient
strategies of climate control in museums and historic buildings.

The Postdoctoral Associate will examine and research mechanisms of
environmental impact on cultural heritage objects, estimate the
respective physical risk related to this impact and propose
preservation strategies.

The research involves application of finite element modelling using
COMSOL Multiphysics software for detailed analysis of stress/strain
fields caused by response of real objects to temperature and
relative humidity variations.  The Postdoctoral Associate will
develop 2D or 3D layered structure models typical for cultural
heritage objects consisting of anisotropic materials like paper,
parchment, wood, or polymers, painted or treated otherwise.  The
models will encompass moisture transport simulation, calculation of
stress/strain fields resulting from changes in materials moisture
content using visco-plastic approach and crack or delamination
propagation.  The Postdoctoral Associate will also determine
mechanical parameters needed for the simulation using macro- and
micro-mechanical characterization of relevant groups of historic
artistic materials.

Eligibility: candidates must have a PhD in material science,
mechanical engineering, or related field.  Experience in
stress/strain finite element modelling, structural mechanics, heat
and moisture transport, creep analysis, material analysis and
characterization, especially with the use of mechanical
micro-characterization methods is desirable.  The PhD must have been
obtained within the last five years.  Excellent written and verbal
skills, fluency in English language, as well as an interest in
collaborative and multi-disciplinary research are essential.

Remuneration: The level of remuneration is dependent on experience
according to the policy of the Yale Office for Postdoctoral Affairs

    <URL:http://postdocs.yale.edu/postdocs>

starting from $40,600 plus health benefits with an annual cost of
living increase.

Review of applications will begin immediately and applications will
be accepted until the position is filled.  Applications, including a
cover letter, CV, and contact details of two referees, should be
addressed to:

    Laurie Batza
    Senior Administrative Assistant to the Director
    Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
    Yale University - West Campus
    PO Box 27395
    West Haven CT 06516
    203-737-3159
    Fax: 203-479-1407
    laurie.batza<-at->yale<.>edu

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:14
                  Distributed: Sunday, August 23, 2015
                       Message Id: cdl-29-14-025
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