Position at Detroit Institute of Arts

Andrew W. Mellon Conservation Scientist
Conservation Department
Detroit Institute of Arts

Full-time, Exempt

Salary, commensurate with experience

The Detroit Institute of Arts seeks dynamic and motivated applicants
for the Andrew W. Mellon Conservation Scientist position.  The
successful candidate will work in the Analytical Science Lab in the
Conservation Department and will be responsible for maintaining a
conservation science program in support of research and preservation
of DIA collections ranging from antiquity to the 21st century.
Previous experience in a museum conservation environment is strongly
preferred.  The candidate will be expected to possess
research/analysis experience applicable to a wide range of artists'
materials, both organic and inorganic.  The individual will join a
department that includes conservators of paintings, objects, and
paper; an imaging specialist; and a mount designer and fabricator.

This position reports to the Director of Conservation.

Essential Functions:

Research and Analysis

    Works in collaboration with DIA conservators and curators in the
    examination and analysis of a broad range of artists' materials
    and degradation products, both organic and inorganic

    Interprets analytical data and communicates the results in a
    manner that fosters the understanding of artists' materials and
    techniques and the preservation of the DIA collections

    Conducts non-destructive analysis on works of art under
    consideration for purchase in support of the conservation
    condition assessments submitted to the DIA Collections Committee

    Develops and coordinates cooperative technical studies of DIA
    objects with academic colleagues and other museum scientists,
    and collaborates in the writing of papers for publication in art
    historical, conservation, or scientific journals

    Stays abreast of developments in the application of scientific
    techniques to the analysis of artists' materials through journal
    research and attendance at conferences and seminars

Educational Outreach

    Communicates effectively the work of conservation science to
    both professional colleagues and non-technical audiences through
    tours, lectures, web content, and video

    Instructs and supervises fellows, interns, and students in the
    understanding and performance of materials analysis

    Participates in exhibition development and museum education
    initiatives

Fundraising

    Collaborates with the DIA Development Department to raise funds
    for conservation projects, equipment, and personnel

    Collaborates with the Development Department to cultivate
    potential donors to the museum's endowment

Qualifications

    PhD required in chemistry or other physical science

    Minimum of 3 years' experience in a museum conservation science
    laboratory preferred

    Cross-cultural knowledge of art and art history

    Knowledge of artists' materials and techniques relating to
    paintings, 3-D artworks, works on paper, and textiles

    Ability to operate and maintain scientific instrumentation,
    including:

        X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (Artax and Bruker
        hand-held)

        Micro-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer

        Micro-Raman spectrometer

        Ultramicrotome for cross-section preparation and other
        relevant sample preparation techniques

        Microscopes

        Analytical balances

    Working knowledge of scanning electron microscopy/
    energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), polarized light
    microscopy (PLM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas
    chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance
    liquid chromatography (HPLC)

    Experience in developing and administering a budget

    Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and grant management

    Knowledge of radiation safety

    Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with
    conservators, curators, collections management staff, museum
    educators, academic scientists, and scientists from other
    museums

    Ability to effectively communicate the work of conservation
    science to non-technical audiences

    A record of peer-reviewed research and publications

    Demonstrated ability to show initiative and resourcefulness in
    handling difficult and unusual analytical problems

Interested applicants for this position must submit a cover letter,
resume/curriculum vitae, and writing sample online at

    <URL:http://www.dia.org>

Applications will be accepted until January 30, 2016.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer

John Steele
Director of Conservation
Detroit Institute of Arts
313-833-1269


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:32
                 Distributed: Sunday, January 10, 2016
                       Message Id: cdl-29-32-035
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