Conservator Ceramics, Glass & Stone

The Applied Arts department within Conservation & Science is seeking a conservator specialized in the field of Ceramics, Glass & Stone. At the Rijksmuseum, the conservator is responsible for unlocking the collection and ensuring its physical preservation. In this role, the conservator also acts as a material historian, possessing expertise in historical materials and manufacturing techniques within the discipline. Your expertise in material history focuses on understanding the object's creative process, its history of use, and signs of damage. Comprehensive knowledge of materials, techniques, and tools used is essential. You're familiar with interpreting results obtained from analyses, always collaborating with natural scientists.

The collection takes precedence
How do we preserve our collection for the future? What (climatic) conditions are pertinent, and are our assumptions and guidelines in this area still valid? These are some aspects you'll address in this role. Collaborating with curators, you'll restore and conserve collection objects, holding the physical responsibility for the object. The knowledge developed in a team setting is translated into scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. Transparently sharing knowledge is crucial, achieved through organizing workshops, masterclasses, and symposia.

New Perspective on the Museum Collection
In recent years, a development has taken place that has led to a respectful, equal collaboration among the conservator, curator and natural scientist. 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 have the ability to convince enthusiasts of the beauty of your field and encourage them to contribute financially with confidence.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Executing conservation and restoration tasks within your expertise, characterized by excellent craftsmanship combined with expertise.
• Preparation of loans, working on collection items after closing hours, overall collection maintenance (from conservation to preventive conservation).
• Undertaking conservation actions in consultation with the curator.
• Developing knowledge about the collection and related materials within your discipline.
• Advancing your expertise innovatively, both within and outside the museum.
• Cultivating a critical approach within your field, questioning current practices, and contributing to innovation to maintain a leading position.
• Translating research findings for colleagues, the public, and peers.

Working at the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is for and by everyone. You'll be part of the Conservation & Science department, a diverse team dedicated to high-quality work. There's room for critical assessment and discussion to elevate our work standards.

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, especially with curators and natural scientists. Analytical thinking, pleasant demeanour, and precision in collaboration are your strengths. You're adept at clearly communicating the core of your research at various levels. Additionally, you have:

• Completed education in ceramic, glass & stone conservation at MA or MSc level; a PhD is advantageous.
• At least multiple years of teamwork experience, preferably within or for a museum.
• Outstanding manual skills.
• Experience in multidisciplinary research teams.
• The expertise to develop research lines.

What do you get in return?

• Gross monthly salary ranging from €4.170,- to €5.768,- or €4.556,- to €6.527,- based on 36 hours (scale 12 or 13 of the museum collective labor agreement, depending on your knowledge and experience).
• 8% holiday allowance and 3.4% year-end bonus.
• A contract for one year with possible extension, this position can be permanently filled.
• Flexibility for remote work as agreed, including a budget to set up your home workspace as desired.
• Full reimbursement for public transport costs from 5 km (up to €345) and full reimbursement for parking costs for your bike at the station.
• Entitlement to an ICOM card reimbursement.

Excited about this oppurtunity?
Take immediate action and apply before February 5, 2024 via the application button. The application process proceeds as follows:

1. Upon receiving your resume and motivation, we'll begin the process.
2. If we find a match, we'll schedule an initial interview. We're interested in learning about your background, experience, and what attracts you to this role.
3. If the first interview goes well, we'll invite you for a second discussion.
4. If both sides are enthusiastic, we'll extend an offer.

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.

Attention! We only accept job applications that are submitted through the Rijksmuseum website. Applications sent via email or other websites will not be considered.

Agency calls are not appreciated.