Postdoctoral fellow in conservation science
The Museum of Cultural History (KHM) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow (SKO 1352) in the research project Saving Oseberg
The project period is 3 years and starting date is as soon as possible.
The museum houses the extensive and highly valued Oseberg collection, which represents one of the most comprehensive collections of Viking Age wooden objects in the world. Many of these wooden artefacts are severely threatened by a slow but ongoing deterioration process caused by conservation treatment (alum treatment) applied one hundred years ago. In addition, restoration involved reassembly of fragments, which cannot be undone without causing irreversible damage to the artefacts. In order to develop a preservation strategy for these highly complex and degraded artefacts, the museum launched the research project Saving Oseberg phase I, which ended December 31st 2016.
Saving Oseberg required a continuation to develop successful preservation strategies. In this current, second phase of Saving Oseberg, the activities are organized in two research groups. The first group will apply and compare different impregnation methods, addressing the three main problems: high acidity, presence of harmful metal ions and extreme frailty of the wood. This work will include the development of a testing protocol, chemical analyses before and after treatment, and studies of behaviour of the impregnation agents in the highly degraded archaeological wood. The second group will work on improvement of the materials for consolidation, neutralization and inactivation of metal ions. Attempts will be continued to develop a multifunctional, bio-inspired material which is chemically functionalized in a way that all three tasks can be fulfilled by one material. The two groups will collaborate closely with each other, as well as with relevant projects associated with the development of new museum facilities for the Oseberg collection and, not least, a national and international network of research institutions.
Postdoctoral fellow in conservation science – in the development of deacidification methods for the treatment of alum-treated wood
High acidity of the wood is assumed to be a main reason for the decay of the wooden artefacts. Following results of project phase I, calcium hydroxide nanoparticles seem to be a promising material to raise the pH of wood. However, a range of application studies on penetration behaviour, suitable solvents and interactions with other applied materials (alum, other consolidants, and chelating agents) needs to be conducted. Phase II research will also look at crosslinking the nanoparticles into a 3-dimensional network with flexible silanes. This would allow for neutralization and consolidation to occur in one step rather than two, thus reducing the risk to the objects during retreatment.
Requirements
- PhD in Chemistry or Conservation Science
- Experience with nanoparticles
- Experience with silane systems
Preferred qualifications
- Candidates with experience in working with cultural heritage objects/materials, and in particular deacidification of archaeological wood, will be preferred
- Previous working experience in cross-disciplinary projects and basic knowledge of conservation practices is an advantage
The application is to be submitted electronically and must include
- Application letter
- CV summarizing education, previous positions, teaching experience, public engagement and other qualifying activities
- Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records
- Names and contact details of 2 or 3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
- A complete list of publications and up to 3 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
Please note that all documents should be in English or Norwegian, Danish or Swedish. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system.
We offer
- A challenging task in one of Europe’s most important projects in archaeological wood research and conservation
- An inspiring and friendly working atmosphere in a cross-disciplinary, international team
- Salary level 57-62 (NOK 486.100 to 535.900 per year), depending on qualifications and seniority
- Favourable pension arrangement
- Workout during working hours, 1.5 hours per week
The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for all employees for the purpose of securing intellectual property rights to research results, etc.
Pursuant to section 25, paragraph 2 of the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act, information about the applicant may be included when the applicant list is made public, even when an applicant has requested non-disclosure.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1793517/71569?iso=no