The Rijksmuseum, in collaboration with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, is inviting applications for Junior scientist (Postdoc).

Use of Nanoindentation to evaluate cracks in paint stratigraphies of easel paintings

The position is full-time (36 hours per week) for the duration of twelve months and it is immediately available.

Information

The proposed research aims at a full understanding of the mechanical properties of layers in a paint stratigraphy, by applying nano technology to probe the heterogeneous viscoelastic properties of composite ground/paint/varnish layers, using embedded cross sections of paintlayers as well as testing in situ.

The selected candidate will first assemble and test a machine that can measure the mechanical properties of the outermost layer of a painting and/or the cross section of a small sample removed from the painting. He/she will then perform a series of measurements aimed at understanding whether, by taking viscoelastic maps along a crack, one can gather useful information for art preservation purposes and technical studies of painting methods and impact of material composition. The study will be accompanied by a theoretical investigation, most likely supported by finite element analysis and will be combined with chemical analyses of the paint composites.

The candidate will be working with and supervised by Prof. Dr. Davide Iannuzzi, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Prof. Dr. Erma Hermens, Rijksmuseum/University of Amsterdam. The candidate will be based at both the VU, Department for Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences, and the Rijksmuseum, Department for Conservation & Restoration.

Requirements

• A PhD in physics with proven experience in building experimental setups that involve mechanics, optics, electronics, and instrument-computer interfaces
• Be able to handle challenging  computer based calculations, and, therefore, we especially invite candidates with computer programming skills to apply
• Experience in Cultural heritage research is desirable
• Good communication and teamwork skills as he/she will be working in an interdisciplinary team with scientists, conservators and technical art historians
• A good command of the English language is mandatory

The appointment will be for 36 hours a week, on a temporary basis for a period of 1 year. Based on a full-time appointment (36 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will be minimum €2.956 and maximum €3.867 (scale 10). The collective labour agreement (cao) for independent national museums applies.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum of the Netherlands. The collection contains 1.1 million (art) objects from and relating to the Netherlands from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. The museum receives over two million visitors a year with a stunning building, surprising decor, beautiful exhibitions, lively events and many pleasant facilities for young and old.

The Rijksmuseum’s dynamic and diverse Conservation Department is housed in the Ateliergebouw or Studio Building across the street from the Rijksmuseum. In addition to the 6 conservation studios and laboratories of the Rijksmuseum, the building hosts the conservation training program of the University of Amsterdam, the Scientific Department of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) and the newly formed Netherlands Institute of Conservation, Art and Science (NICAS). The strong collaboration between conservators, scientific researchers and art historians in the three institutes makes for an interdisciplinary and inspiring environment.

https://ltpx.nl/HAC0JFO