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The Getty Conservation Institute’s (GCI) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Science is a two-year program designed to provide recent PhDs in chemistry and other physical or material sciences with experience in conservation science. The 2024–2026 Postdoctoral Fellow will be an integral part of the GCI Science department’s Built Heritage Research initiative.

 

The GCI works internationally to advance conservation practice in the visual arts—broadly interpreted to include objects, collections, architecture, and sites. The Institute serves the conservation community through scientific research, education and training, field projects, and the dissemination of information. In all its endeavors, the GCI creates and delivers knowledge that contributes to the conservation of the world's cultural heritage. In support of the GCI’s mission, the Science department’s work on built heritage combines laboratory research and field studies to characterize traditional and modern built heritage material and their response to long-term outdoor exposure to different environments; investigate conventional and innovative conservation strategies and monitor their performance over time; advance the field of conservation through the dissemination of research findings in professional publications and conferences and the collaboration with the practitioners' community.

The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to engage with, and be involved in, both new and existing projects and research partnerships concerned with materials research and conservation methods. The GCI anticipates that the Fellow’s primary activities will focus on one of the current built heritage research directions, which include: i) investigating the applicability of accelerated aging strategies for testing natural stone and their response to conservation treatments, ii) characterizing historic mortars and concrete, iii) exploring nature-inspired approaches for built heritage conservation and the impact of biofilm on heritage substrates.

The Fellowship will be particularly suited to candidates with a strong background in materials science at the graduate level and interested in exploring the integration of laboratory methodologies and field-based approaches. In addition to working on existing or nascent GCI research, there is scope for the Fellow to pursue independent research on a topic of their own choosing, and to take full advantage of the diverse research facilities available at the Getty. Professional development will be encouraged and assisted through participation in professional meetings, conferences, or workshops. It is expected that the Fellow’s research outcomes will be disseminated through publications and conference presentations, to the scientific community and conservation practitioners.

Applicants should have a recent (2018 or later) PhD in materials science, or another relevant physical science, plus experimental research experience and strong instrumental analysis skills. PhDs in architecture or engineering with a strong focus on material science will also be considered. An aptitude for self-directed learning and for working across academic disciplines is desirable, as are excellent written and verbal communication skills. Applications from candidates currently enrolled in a PhD program will be accepted pending completion by July 31, 2024. 

 

The Fellowship runs from September 2024 to August 2026. In addition to an annual stipend and health insurance, the Fellow will be provided an annual study trip allowance and other generous benefits including an apartment at Scholar Housing, a 38-unit complex located less than 2 miles (approximately 3 kilometers) from the main entrance to the Getty Center.

 

Interested candidates must apply online by November 1, 2023.

 

Please be prepared to upload a Statement of Interest; Doctoral Dissertation Plan or Abstract; Curriculum Vitae; Writing Sample; and Confirmation of Degree as a single PDF when prompted to upload your “resume” by the online application system. Candidates who successfully complete the online application process will receive an automated message via email.

 

Two Confidential Letters of Recommendation must be sent separately to GCIPostDoc@Getty.edu and should also be received no later than November 1, 2023.

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

 

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

 

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.  

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.