The Chemistry for Conservation and Art team at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences has a vacant PhD position in the PREPARE project.
The aim is to develop physical model systems to monitor the effects of indoor climate conditions on the stability of paintings.
Oil paintings slowly change as a consequence of internal chemical processes and interactions with their environment. Sometimes, these changes have undesirable effects, like mechanical damage or an altered appearance. The goal of preventive conservation is to minimize the undesirable material changes in cultural heritage objects like paintings, for instance, by carefully controlling the temperature, humidity, and pollutants in the environment. In this project, candidates will work on a new approach to evaluate the effects of indoor climate conditions by using highly responsive physical models of the materials in a painting as a type of dosimeter.
Duration: 2 years
Tasks
- design, prepare, test, and modify physical material models for oil paintings;
- characterize the chemical and mechanical properties of the model materials as a function of aging;
- support the development of on-site low-tech monitoring tools for both model materials and real paintings;
- communicate and coordinate with fellow project team members;
- present your research in scientific publications and at international conferences;
- complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years.
Salary
- The gross monthly salary, depending on relevant experience, ranges between €2,872 and €3,670
- UvA additionally offers an extensive package of secondary benefits, including an 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
- 232 holiday hours per year (based on full-time) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
- multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
- a complete educational program for PhD students;
- 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
- Partly paid parental leave;
- The possibility to set up a workplace at home;
- A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two-thirds of the contribution;
- The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
- Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.
Job Requirements
The ideal candidate should have:
- a recent MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field. Candidates with a degree in conservation science will also be considered if they can demonstrate a solid foundation in chemistry and spectroscopy.
- a strongly motivated researcher, taking the lead in organizing experiments and setting up collaborations with other experts.
- excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- practical experience with one or more chemical analytical techniques;
- ability to communicate clearly to people with various levels of understanding of their work.
- a desire to work on applied research questions with societal impact.
Application Process
Applications should include the following information
- A cover letter of at most 1 page explaining the motivation to apply for this position and highlighting the parts of their CV that make them suited for the position;
- A detailed CV including a grade list of university courses taken;
- A selection of approximately three pages of scientific writing in English, such as a master’s thesis or a project report.
To apply for PhD Candidate Chemistry for Conservation and Art, click here.
Deadline: January 01, 2025.
For more information on the PhD Candidate Chemistry for Conservation and Art, visit the official site.
