Wood and Furniture Conservator

The department of Applied Arts within Conservation & Science is seeking a conservator specializing in Wood and Furniture.

At the Rijksmuseum, the conservator holds the responsibility for unlocking the collection and ensuring its physical preservation. Moreover, within this role, the conservator acts as a material historian, possessing expertise in historical materials and manufacturing techniques within the discipline. Your knowledge in material history focuses on understanding an object's creative process, its history of use, and any damage it may have incurred. Understanding the materials, techniques, and tools used is essential. You should be adept at interpreting analysis results, both organic and inorganic, in collaboration with natural scientists.

The collection takes precedence
How do we preserve our collection for the future? What (climatic) conditions are necessary, and are our assumptions and guidelines in this regard still valid? These are some aspects you'll engage with in this role.

In collaboration with curators, you'll restore and conserve collection objects while bearing physical responsibility for them. The knowledge developed within the team will be translated into scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. Transparently sharing knowledge is vital, accomplished through organizing workshops, masterclasses, and symposiums.

New perspective on the museum collection
In recent years, there has been a development that has led to a respectful collaboration among the conservator, curator, and natural scientist at eye level. Collaborating with all departments such as management & preservation, education, development, and others is crucial. Additionally, you also work on sharing knowledge with the wider public. You know how to convince interested parties of the beauty of your field and that they are welcome to contribute financially to it.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Conducting conservation activities and performing restorations within your field characterized by excellent craftsmanship combined with expertise and in consultation with the curator.
• Preparing loans, working on collection items after hours, and maintaining the collection comprehensively (from conservation to preventive conservation).
• Conducting conservation activities in consultation with the curator.
• Developing knowledge of the furniture collection and other collections primarily made of wood (such as musical instruments and sculpture).
• Developing your expertise innovatively within and outside the museum.
• Fostering critical questioning within your field, challenging current practices, and contributing to innovation to maintain a leading edge.
• Translating research findings for colleagues, the public, and peers.

Working at the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is by and for everyone. You'll be part of the Conservation & Science team, a diverse team dedicated to quality and high-level work. Engagement in our work is high, encouraging critical perspectives and discussions to elevate our work.

What do you bring?
We're interested in who you are, your background, and the talent you add to our team. You're a team player striving for good collaboration with your direct colleagues, curators and natural scientists. Analytical thinking and a pleasant, meticulous approach to collaboration are your strengths. You can clearly communicate the core of your research at various levels. Additionally, you have:

• A completed education in furniture conservation at MA or MSc level; a PhD is advantageous.
• At least multiple years of team-based work experience, possibly in or for a museum.
• Excellent manual skills.
• Experience in conducting research within co-disciplinary teams.
• The knowledge and experience to define research directions.

What do you get in return?

• A gross monthly salary ranging from €4170,- to €5768,- or €4556,- to €6527,- based on a 36-hour workweek (scale 12 or 13 of the museum's collective labor agreement, depending on your knowledge and experience).
• 8% holiday allowance and a 3.4% year-end bonus.
• A contract for one year with possible extension, as this is a position that can be continually filled.
• The flexibility to work from home as agreed, including a budget to set up your home workspace.
• A full public transport reimbursement from 5 km (up to a maximum of €345.00). Costs for parking a bike at a guarded bicycle parking at the train station are also fully reimbursed.
• Entitlement to an ICOM card allowance.

Excited about this opportunity?
Take immediate action and apply before January 12, 2024 via the application button. The application process involves:

1. Upon receiving your cv and motivation, we'll start the process.
2. If there's a match, we'll schedule an initial interview to learn more about you, your experiences, and what attracts you to this role.
3. A positive first interview leads to a second interview.
4. If we're both enthusiastic, we'll extend an offer to you.

Do you have any further questions? You can approach Suzan Meijer, Head of Applied Arts, for any substantive queries regarding the role 020-6747000, s.meijer@rijksmuseum.nl. For inquiries related to the process, please contact the recruitment department using the details provided below.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact person: Nina Bartelsman.
Phone number: +31206747000.
Email: vacatures@rijksmuseum.nl

Agency calls are not appreciated.