Position at Rathgen Research Laboratory

Conservation Scientist
The Rathgen Research Laboratory
Berlin State Museums

The Rathgen Research Laboratory, which forms part of the Berlin State
Museums, is currently seeking to fill the position of a

Conservation Scientist
Job reference: AKu 1-2008
limited term 3 years
available from December 1, 2008.

in the framework of the interdisciplinary research project "Alterung
von Kunstlichen Bindemitteln auf Wandmalereien". The position is
graded at 50% 13 TVoD (Collective Agreement for the German public
service). The grading is provisional, as the grading agreement under
the collective agreement has so far not been finalised.

"Alterung von Kunstlichen Bindemitteln auf Wandmalereien" (Ageing of
synthetic binders on mural paintings) is a project funded by the
German Federal Cultural Foundation and will be implemented in close
collaboration between the Museum of Asian Art and the Rathgen
Research Laboratory with the National Museums, Berlin (Germany)

The Rathgen Research Laboratory is the leading institution for
conservation science, art technology and archaeometry at the
National Museums in Berlin. It stands in the tradition of the
world's oldest scientific museum laboratory, the Chemical Laboratory
of the Royal Museums in Berlin, which was founded on April 1, 1888
and carries the name of its first director, Friedrich Rathgen.

Main activities / Responsibilities:

The Museum of Asian Art holds in its collection approximately 800
square meters of mural paintings from Central Asia, dating back to
the 3rd- 12th century AD, with almost 90% mounted in fragments in
the depository. The project deals with 35 square meters of mural
paintings from the so called "sword-bearer's cave" which in their
majority have been subjected to consolidative treatments by
synthetic binders as Polyvinylacetate or Acrylics in previous
decades. Over time, and with increasing crosslinking and decay of
the binder the surface of the paintings has undergone significant
changes in appearance and stability.

Key areas or research in collaboration with the conservators are:

    Identification and characterization of the binder, establishing
    distribution profiles in the carrier

    Study of the kinetics of ageing and decay of the resins by
    oxidative and hydrolytic processes

    Development of removal strategies, selection of compatible
binder classes for consolidation

The successful applicant, specialized in organic analytical
chemistry, polymer chemistry and/or physico-mechanical testing will
be able to apply his knowledge of scientific research as it relates
to the key research areas in the project team. She/he will work
closely with conservators and curators across interdisciplinary
lines in an extremely diversified and intellectually stimulating
environment. She/he will perform tests, analyze and interpret
results using the specialized equipment of the laboratory and also
develop and implement new testing procedures. The position provides
the opportunity for a PhD in collaboration with the Federal
Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM).

Person Specification: Graduation from a recognized college or
university with a Master in Chemistry or Conservation Science or
equivalent training and experience; applicants who have worked in a
museum conservation environment are preferred. Specialisation in
organic analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry and
physico-mechanical testing; Candidates must possess good written and
verbal communication skills, experience in teamwork and be
proficient in English as well as written and spoken German.

The Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz is an equal opportunities
employer as set out by Bundesgleichstellungsgesetz (Federal Equal
Opportunities Act). Applications from female applicants are welcome.
Applicants with disabilities will be considered with priority in
cases of equal qualification. Applicants must be prepared to adjust
their working times to work requirements.

Please send your application which must include the customary
documents to the following address, quoting job reference AKu 1-2008
by October 30, 2008 to:

    Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz
    Der Prasident
    Sachgebiet I 2e
    Von-der-Heydt-Str. 16-18
    10785 Berlin

Please do not apply by email. If you would like the documents
submitted returned to you, please enclose a SAE. For further
information please contact

    Mr. Dr. Simon
    +49 30 32 67 49 0
    s.simon<-a t->smb< . >spk-berlin< . >de


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 22:23
                Distributed: Saturday, October 18, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-22-23-025
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