Research Scientist

Job Summary

This research scientist position aims to advance knowledge in chemical degradation and stability of cultural heritage collection materials. The selected researcher will have expertise in materials testing and analysis, atmospheric pollutants and chemical interactions, organic chemistry, or chemical engineering. The role manages IPI ISO testing services, conducts largely independent research, collaborates on multi‑scholar initiatives, and leads discrete components of larger research projects under the direction of senior or principal investigators.

The position is expected to publish results in peer‑reviewed journals, reports, workshops, and conferences, and may include educational program responsibilities.

• Independently performs components of a research program as directed by a senior research team member.
• Exercises broad judgement to support faculty or senior researchers in project planning, design, development of novel methods, techniques, technologies, products, model development, overall data management, documentation, and advanced qualitative or quantitative analysis.
• Manages IPI’s testing services operation including coordination and completion of materials testing projects, contracts, technical support, and client consultations.
• Represents IPI at ISO meetings and standards group sessions, attending, responding to documents and ballots, and leading revisions and updates of ISO standards related to preservation material testing.
• Prepares and presents research findings, authoring papers, manuscripts, technical white papers, and conference presentations.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders.
• Plans and leads small research components of existing projects; learns methods for project planning, including assessment of cost, scope and schedule.
• Assists in identifying and securing research funding.
• Provides research‑lead teaching for professional development.
• Mentors and supervises research support staff and students.
• Assists in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
• Assists in managing research laboratories.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in preservation science, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field and at least three years of directly related experience.
• OR
• Bachelor’s degree in the same fields plus at least six years of post‑bachelor’s work experience.

A Ph.D. in preservation science, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering, or related disciplines is strongly preferred.

• Expertise in chemical degradation and stability of organic materials.
• Experience in computer programming using high‑level languages such as MATLAB or Python.
• Critical eye for consistency, reproducibility and the scientific method.
• Ability to plan and execute research independently.
• Potential for original or collaborative scholarship.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Strong time‑management skills.
• Leadership experience in project management.
• Knowledge of research methods and analytical procedures.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of publishing and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of grant and project‑writing procedures.
• Ability to communicate findings to sponsors and stakeholders.
• Ability to distill complex ideas for cross‑disciplinary audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Ability to lead the work of others.
• Advocacy for safety and ethics in the workplace.

The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) is a research center in the College of Art and Design dedicated to supporting the preservation of cultural heritage collections in libraries, archives and museums worldwide. IPI conducts applied research, develops practical preservation resources and tools, offers professional‑level education and training programs, and provides consulting and materials testing services. The institute operates out of a 7,000‑square‑foot space in the Gannett building and employs preservation research scientists, environmental management specialists, a materials testing researcher, web application and publication designers, and business operations personnel.

Full‑time. Salary range: $52,300 – $87,600 annually.

RIT does not discriminate. RIT is an equal‑opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity, pluralism, and inclusion.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Submit your application through the RIT careers portal at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..