Tate was awarded two infrastructure project grants in 2024 through the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) initiative entitled Accessing Modern and Contemporary Art Materials Research and Establishing Tate's Conservation and Heritage Science Archive. These projects commenced in September 2024, spanning a 2-year period to September 2026. The Conservation Scientist roles (x2) were awarded to support the ongoing provision of the RICHeS program at Tate for 5 years from April 1st, 2026, based in the Conservation Science and Preventive Conservation team. You will be embedded within a committed, knowledgeable team, carrying out complex scientific analysis and conservation treatment support, the cataloguing and sharing of Tate's scientific and conservation research data, contributing to the Heritage Science Data Service and co-delivering on access pathways and requests from external users. You will also support the development and delivery of scientific research in art materials and collection care and contribute to in-house scientific support requests. You will hold a Ph.D. in conservation science, heritage science, technical art history or a physical science, or have equivalent experience in a heritage science or related setting. You will need to demonstrate experience in scientific analysis and research within a complex environment. It is essential that you are experienced in analytical and/or imaging techniques applied to works of art and have experience with complex data analysis and working collaboratively. You will need to demonstrate strong documentation skills, including report writing. You will also have experience communicating with a range of stakeholders, including non-technical audiences. This role requires effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written, visual and oral as well as enthusiasm for expanding the impact of heritage science within the UK and globally. First degree in a physical science or conservation. PhD in conservation science, heritage science, technical art history or a physical science or equivalent heritage science experience. Minimum of three publications (lead/co -authored) which demonstrate autonomous and original research, preferably related to conservation or heritage science. Expertise in using in at least one of the following forms of instrumentation: gas - chromatography, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, high resolution digital microscopy; or equivalent experience using other techniques related to polymer science or modern and contemporary works of art. Understanding of issues around sampling , analysis and evaluating the conservation treatment of works of art , including non -destructive and portable instrumental methods Understanding and interest in challenges around the archiving of Heritage Science data. Good IT skills, data management skills, and experience of specialist software. Work with other Conservation Science team members to support and deliver external access requests from colleagues through the RICHeS platform and directly to Tate including sampling, analysis, report writing and archiving of information and data. Develop expertise in (some) key analytical equipment such as GCMS, infrared imaging, infrared spectroscopy, raman spectroscopy, microfading, and others as required. Develop and improve analytical protocols and maintain equipment user guides, data libraries and scientific expertise, including training other team members where relevant. Carry out scientific support with the Conservation Science team to fulfil requests from Tate's Conservation department. Develop, support and contribute to research into art materials and collection care practice at Tate. Carry out scientific support with the Conservation Science team to fulfil requests from Tate's Conservation department. Please apply using the link by midnight of 11 February 2026.Job Summary
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