Subject: Fellowship at Art Institute of Chicago
A.W. Mellon Research Fellowship in Conservation Science Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago has an immediate opening for a Fellowship in the Conservation Science Department supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The position will provide the successful candidate with a unique career development opportunity in conservation science research. The fellow will gain experience working in a major art museum and contribute to an ongoing research project on Pablo Picasso's use of non-artists' paints (e.g. house paints) in the early 1900s. The fellowship will focus on two main activities: the analysis of early twentieth-century paint reference samples using XRF, FTIR, and possibly GC-MS analysis, and research and reconstructions of contemporary commercial paint formulations. Reporting to the Conservation Scientist, the Fellow will work closely with the Assistant Conservation Scientist, Conservation Microscopist, Conservation Fellows, Conservators and Curators. The Conservation Science facilities at the Art Institute of Chicago are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation: research microscopes (polarized light and reflectance/UV fluorescence); Raman and FTIR microspectroscopy, portable XRF spectrometry, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, X-radiography and IR reflectography. In addition, the Museum has an ongoing collaborative program in conservation science with the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Chemistry Department at Northwestern University and with the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Lab, providing access to advanced research and analytical facilities and to faculty with a wide range of expertise in the physical sciences. Eligibility: Open to applicants from a conservation or science background with a graduate degree or equivalent training. Knowledge of the most commonly used instrumental techniques for the characterization of organic and inorganic materials is required. Previous experience in the conservation field is preferable, but a strong interest in the visual arts and willingness to explore new areas of applied research are the most important qualities sought. Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience, and includes health benefits. The duration of the fellowship will be for 12 months. The start date is negotiable but preferably as early in 2008 as possible. To Apply: Please send a cover letter detailing relevant experience and career objectives with resume, reprints of relevant publications and three letters of recommendation to: The Art Institute of Chicago Human Resources, MC/046 111 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60603 Fax: 312-857-0141 aic.jobs [at] artic__edu Please direct questions to: Gwenaelle Gautier, PhD Assistant Conservation Scientist The Art Institute of Chicago 111 South Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60603 312-443-7290 Fax: 312-541-1959 ggautier [at] artic__edu or Kim Muir, PhD A.W. Mellon Conservation Research Fellow The Art Institute of Chicago 111 South Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60603 312-443-9196 Fax: 312-541-1959 kmuir [at] artic__edu Formal applications and supporting materials are due by January 31, 2008. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Kim Muir A. W. Mellon Conservation Research Fellow The Art Institute of Chicago Department of Conservation 111 S Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60603-6404 312-443-9196 Fax: 312-541-1959 *** Conservation DistList Instance 21:35 Distributed: Tuesday, December 18, 2007 Message Id: cdl-21-35-024 ***Received on Monday, 17 December, 2007