Leverhulme Trust Postdoctoral Research Assistant - Conservation

The Conservation Department at the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, is delighted to offer the post of Leverhulme Trust Postdoctoral Research Assistant – Conservation on the Leverhulme Trust funded Research Project Grant ‘Ruskin's painting materials: what he used, what he chose, what he taught’. The project, which runs until 31st March 2026, aims to understand the impact of the 19th-century Industrial Revolution on Ruskin's artworks and pedagogical approach and to expand our knowledge of industrially produced painting materials and their deterioration processes. The successful candidate will work closely with Conservation Manager (Preventive, Science and Technical) the project PI, Head of Conservation (Co-PI), paper conservators, Western Art Department curators as well as other specialists and researchers relating to the subject. The role will focus primarily on using non-destructive analytical techniques such as MA-XRF, XRD and FORS.

You will manage and carry out academic research and analytical activities relating to the Ruskin Project. You will prepare working theories and analyse qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of non-destructive analytical techniques. You will develop ideas and proposals for research that will further the aims of the project. You will collaborate in the preparation of research publications, write for academic and non-academic audiences, and disseminate research through conferences, seminars, exhibitions, social media and museum events.

You will hold, or be close to completion of, a doctorate in heritage science, conservation, history of art, archaeological science or related discipline and have demonstrable research interest in pigment analysis and/or fine art conservation.

You will be experienced in the use of non-destructive analytical techniques in the characterisation of pigments and/or painted surfaces, with special emphasis on 19th century materials. You will have sufficient specialist knowledge in conservation and/or analysis of decorative surfaces to work within established research programmes.

This is a full-time, fixed term contract, working 37.5 hours per week for 30 months (2.5 years).

Grade 7.1 - 7.4: £35,308 - £38,474 per annum

What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Flexible and part-remote working can also be considered.

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example shared parental leave.

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one.

Only applications received online before 12:00 midday (BST) on Wednesday 21st June 2023 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 11th July 2023.