Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. 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.

The Getty Conservation Institute’s (GCI) postdoctoral fellowship is a two-year program designed to provide recent PhDs with experience in chemistry and other physical or material sciences with experience in conservation science. The 2026-2028 Postdoctoral Fellow will be an integral part of the GCI Science’s Materials Characterization research group studying the diverse range of organic materials in cultural heritage.

 

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 to advance conservation practice in the visual arts, an important component of the Science department’s work involves studying natural and synthetic organic materials in paints, lacquers, coatings, decorative surfaces, plastics, and wood. Ongoing research of these materials is needed because of their importance in museum collections, diversity of formulations, and issues with instability. Their chemical composition may also relate to manufacturing processes and prior conservation treatments. Chemical analysis using chromatographic, spectroscopic, and thermal analysis techniques aids in understanding the composition, degradation pathways, and physical manifestations of the aging of organic materials.

The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to engage in new and existing projects and research partnerships concerned with characterizing organic materials, primarily paints and plastics. An important part of the research will be developing analytical protocols and advanced data evaluation methods that can benefit other researchers in the field. Information from this research will aid in developing conservation treatment strategies and in technical art history studies. The applied nature of this work means that the Fellow will collaborate closely with researchers from other institutions and practicing conservators.

Applicants should have a recent (2020 or later) PhD in materials science or another relevant physical science, plus experimental research experience, strong instrumental analysis skills, and application of advanced data analysis tools to chromatographic data. Demonstrated proficiency in pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and ion chromatography is highly desirable. An aptitude for self-directed learning and for working across academic disciplines is desirable, as are excellent written and verbal communication skills. Candidates should have an interest in the visual arts and a serious interest in pursuing a career in conservation science.

 

The Fellowship runs from September 2026 to August 2028. 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.

 

Deadline has been extended to December 1, 2025.

 

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates must apply online. 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 December 1, 2025.

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.