Research Scientist

Description

This is a research scientist position aimed at advancing knowledge in the chemical degradation and stability of cultural heritage collection materials. The appointed researcher will have expertise in materials testing and analysis, atmospheric pollutants and chemical interactions, organic chemistry, or chemical engineering. This position manages IPI ISO testing services, performs mostly independent research, collaborates on multi‑scholar research initiatives, and will lead discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

The position is expected to publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences, and may have educational program related responsibilities. We welcome applications from fields outside of cultural heritage, but will look favorably on candidates demonstrating a strong interest in the preservation science of cultural heritage.

• Independently performs components of a research program as directed by a senior member of the research team.
• Exercise broad judgment and independence to substantially assist faculty or senior researchers in research project planning; research design; development of novel methods, techniques, processes, technologies, products; model development; overall data management; documentation and maintenance of tools, software, and method procedures; and advanced qualitative or quantitative analysis culminating in significant and original research interpretation.
• Manages IPI's testing services operation including coordination and completion of materials testing services projects, contracts, technical support, and client consultations.
• Represent IPI at ISO enclosures and image stability standards group meetings including attending ISO meetings, responding to and voting on documents and ballots, and serving as a project leader when needed to revise and update ISO standards related to preservation materials testing.
• Presentation of research projects which may include authoring papers, manuscripts, publications, technical white papers.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders.
• May plan and lead small research components of existing research projects; learns methods for project planning, including assessment of cost, scope, and schedule against plan.
• Assists in identifying/securing research funding.
• Delivers research‑lead teaching for professional development.
• May mentor and supervise research support staff and students.
• May assist in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate classes.
• May assist with managing research laboratories.
• Other duties as assigned.

Master's degree in specified field of preservation science, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering or related field with three years of directly related experience.

OR

Bachelor's degree in specified field of preservation science, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering or related field plus at least 6 years of post‑bachelor's work experience.

• Demonstrates expertise in chemical degradation and stability of organic materials.
• Experience in computer programming using a high‑level language such as MATLAB, Python, etc.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Demonstrates the ability to independently plan and execute research.
• Demonstrates potential for original or collaborative scholarship.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Evidence of leadership in project management.
• Knowledge of research methods and analytical procedures.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of grant/project writing procedures.
• Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders.
• Ability to distill complex ideas to cross‑disciplinary audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Ability to lead work of others.
• Advocate for safety and…