Postdoctoral Researcher in Preservation Science

7300BR

College of Art and Design

CAD Image Permanence Institute

Job Summary

The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) in the College of Art and Design (CAD) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is pleased to announce its search for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Preservation Science. This 30-month postdoctoral position offers the opportunity to gain experience of applied materials characterization and data analytics within the cultural heritage field. The appointed researcher will conduct research using advanced thermo-mechanical analytical techniques and data analytics to quantify the impact of changing environments on the mechanical properties of plastic composites, with a view to identifying safe storage, display and handling conditions for historic plastics. This research forms the core of a three-year Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant designed to interrogate the relationship between temperature, equilibrium relative humidity, equilibrium moisture content and the mechanical properties of a range of plastics commonly housed in museum collections. The results will inform guidelines for sustainable preservation environmental management for plastics and plastic composite artifacts.

We welcome applications from fields outside of cultural heritage, but will look favorably on candidates demonstrating a strong interest in the preservation of cultural heritage.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Independently conducts research to include, but not limited to: constructing hypotheses, design and planning of research studies, data management, model development, conducting experiments or assessments, analysis and interpretation of research results, and evaluation of research techniques.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders.
• Disseminates and publishes research results in peer-reviewed journals, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Contributes to the writing of grant proposals.
• Undertakes research on aligned projects as required.
• Maintains analytical tools as needed throughout the project.
• Documents novel methods and operating procedures.
• May assist in teaching classes.
• May mentor and assist undergraduate and/or graduate students
• May assist in managing research laboratories.
• Other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will live our values, embrace diverse perspectives, and nurture the RIT community to remain a great place to work for all.

*Typical functions are intended to represent the type of tasks and levels of work difficulty required and should not be construed as a comprehensive list of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Supervisors retain discretion to assign or modify work tasks as needed based on specific job requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in physical chemistry, material science, experimental mechanics, analytical chemistry, physics or related disciplines.
• Demonstrates expertise in thermal and/or mechanical analysis of organic materials, such as dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile and compression testing or digital image correlation.
• Experience in computer programming using a high-level language such as MATLAB, Python etc.
• Demonstrates the ability to plan and execute research.
• Knowledge of applicable research methods and analytical procedures.
• Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Demonstrates potential for original or collaborative scholarship.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.
• Ability to communicate findings to varied audiences and work effectively within cross-disciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience of data and/or image processing
• Experience of multivariate analysis

Required Minimum Education Level

PhD

Work Location

Henrietta Campus — 100%

Employment Category

Fulltime

Required Application Documents

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume, List of References

What do we believe at RIT?

Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. We are dedicated to building a diverse community, one where employees feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring.

As a member of the RIT community, you’ll receive a comprehensive employee benefits package that offers multiple options and access to additional employment advantages. You can tailor your benefit elections to meet your needs (affordable medical/dental/vision benefits; paid vacation/sick time/retirement saving plan with exceptional employer match; and tuition assistance for you and your family, to name a few).

Department/College Description

THE DEPARTMENT:  The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) is an enterprise center in the College of Art and Design dedicated to supporting the preservation of cultural heritage collections in libraries, archives, and museums around the world. IPI achieves its mission through applied research, the development of practical preservation resources and tools, professional-level education and training programs, and through consulting and materials testing services. IPI resides in a 7,000 square foot space in the Gannett building of the College of Art and Design and staff members include preservation research scientists, environmental management specialists, a materials testing researcher, web application and publication designers, and business operations personnel, https://www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org/ .

THE COLLEGE:  RIT’s College of Art and Design is the university’s creative hub where art, design, science, and technology intersect in our 200,000+ sq. ft. facility. We are a dynamic and professional arts and design community comprised of 2,000 students (UG and Grad), nearly 140 full-time faculty, 60 creative staff, and a number of professional part-time faculty, all of whom contribute to our College’s ecosystem. The College’s four schools offer programs in Art, Design, Crafts, Film and Animation, Photography and Photographic Sciences. The range of innovative programs offers students a panoramic perspective from creating fine art using centuries-old methods to pushing the boundaries of digital creativity. The College of Art and Design also takes full advantage of RIT’s opportunities in technology, STEM, engineering, sustainability, and entrepreneurism programs, as well as our global campuses, https://rit.edu/artdesign .

How To Apply

In order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at, http://careers.rit.edu/staff . Click the link to search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.
Please submit your online application; your updated resume; a cover letter addressing the position’s qualifications; and upload the following attachment:

• Three professional references that include their name, company, title, email address and how you are acquainted.

A review of applications will begin November 28, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding this position may be sent to Dr. Emma J. Richardson, IPI Director of Research:

ejrpph@rit.edu

.

Additional Details

The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity, pluralism and inclusion in the work place. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to hr@rit.edu . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Commitment To Safety

COVID 19: Please familiarize yourself with the requirements of the RIT Safety Plan . Information on the responsibility for each employee can be found on the RIT Ready website. As per the RIT Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , all university employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Vaccination exemptions may be granted: (1) to employees who are unable to be vaccinated due to a medical condition or disability; (2) on the basis of an employee’s sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, or (3) to employees who are fully remote and sign an Employee Attestation stating that they will not be on campus for any reason, nor will they participate in any in-person university-sponsored activities.