Project Specialist – Reynolds Digital Research Resource

Project Specialist – Reynolds Digital Research Resource

Location: The National Gallery, London (hybrid working available)
Contract: 18 months, full-time
Salary: £40,215
Closing Date: 23 February 2025
 

The National Gallery is seeking a Project Specialist to support the development of the Reynolds Digital Research Resource, a pioneering initiative that will bring together decades of scientific and historical research on the paintings of Sir Joshua Reynolds. This project aims to consolidate and standardise dispersed heritage science data into a single digital platform, enabling researchers and conservators to explore Reynolds' experimental painting techniques more effectively.

Working closely with an experienced team across multiple institutions, you will play a central role in data gathering, documentation, and the design of structured workflows to support digital research. You will also collaborate with technical specialists to ensure that the new resource meets user needs, participating in system testing and user evaluation while coordinating engagement activities with the broader research community.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, gather, and prepare key datasets and research documentation related to Reynolds' paintings.
• Develop standardised templates and workflows for heritage science data entry, ensuring compliance with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles.
• Work with project partners to structure and document data for inclusion in the digital resource.
• Facilitate and participate in testing and user evaluation of the digital platform, providing feedback to technical specialists.
• Organise workshops and meetings to engage researchers, conservators, and other stakeholders in the development of the resource.
• Document methodologies and workflows to create a reusable model for future digital research projects.

What We’re Looking For

• Knowledge of heritage science data and experience in organising and managing complex research documentation.
• Experience in structured data management, including metadata standards and best practices for digital documentation.
• Familiarity with digital research platforms such as ResearchSpace and linked data methodologies.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across institutions.

Important Note

This is not a practical role for the conservation or technical examination of paintings. Instead, it focuses on the organisation and preparation of scientific and historical data for inclusion in a new digital research resource, as well as the design and population of structured digital solutions to manage and present this information. The role will also involve significant engagement with future users of the resource. However, it may provide valuable experience for someone with a background in conservation or heritage science.

How to Apply

To apply, visit National Gallery Careers.

Closing Date: 23 February 2025

Join us in creating a lasting digital legacy for Reynolds research and heritage science!