What will you be doing?
As a PhD candidate in conservation science, you will research the micro-mechanical behaviour of paints used by Vincent van Gogh, affected by both chemical changes and environmental factors. The research will focus on paint models, with the aim of creating a strong basis for understanding the chemical and physical-mechanical behaviour of historical paintings. The research will be conducted in close consultation with the conservators, and carried out in collaboration with ASML, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). You will be working for the Van Gogh Museum. The PhD candidate will carry out most of the practical work at the Ateliergebouw in Amsterdam, and the doctorate will be awarded by the University of Amsterdam.

As a PhD candidate, you will work in an ambitious and collegial environment, where you will have the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct a literature review and develop a full doctoral proposal
• Reconstruct and artificially age paint systems
• Evaluate micro-mechanical test methods to study physical-chemical changes affecting paint properties
• Create a state-of-the-art chemical analysis that will provide a solid chemical understanding of paint degradation
• Initial focus will be on paint defects typically observed in paints using the Prussian blue pigment

Who are you?
We are looking for a resourceful and cooperative colleague who meets the following requirements:

• Completed education in the fields of materials science or chemistry, with a thorough knowledge of physics (MSc level)
• Experience with analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (SEM-EDX)
• Ability to work and cooperate well within an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to view situations from different perspectives, and able to understand problems and make connections
• Has an eye for detail
• Able to locate information in a broader context, and take well-considered, logical and realistic decisions
• Able to work systematically, make realistic plans, set priorities and stick to agreements
• Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage
• Excellent oral and written skills in English

Where will you be working?
In the heart of Amsterdam, where you will be working in a friendly, yet challenging work environment, in which you will have every opportunity to get the best out of yourself and your team. Here, you can build your career and contribute to a cultural brand.
The Collective Labour Agreement for museums applies, and you will be paid according to (initial) pay scale 9. The full-time salary (36 hours) ranges from € 2,840 to € 3,718 gross per month, based on education and experience. In addition, you will receive a holiday allowance, a year-end bonus, and a Museum Card. We also offer a health care scheme.

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