Conservation Scientist, RICHeS

Overview

Tate was awarded two infrastructure project grants in 2024 through the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) initiative entitled Accessing Modern and Contemporary Art Materials Research and Establishing Tate's Conservation and Heritage Science Archive. These projects commenced in September 2024, spanning a 2-year period to September 2026. The Conservation Scientist roles (x2) were awarded to support the ongoing provision of the RICHeS program at Tate for 5 years from April 1st, 2026, based in the Conservation Science and Preventive Conservation team.

You will be embedded within a committed, knowledgeable team, carrying out complex scientific analysis and conservation treatment support, the cataloguing and sharing of Tate's scientific and conservation research data, contributing to the Heritage Science Data Service and co-delivering on access pathways and requests from external users. You will also support the development and delivery of scientific research in art materials and collection care and contribute to in-house scientific support requests.

• Carry out complex scientific analysis and conservation treatment support.
• Catalogue and share Tate's scientific and conservation research data.
• Contribute to the Heritage Science Data Service and co-deliver on access pathways and requests from external users.
• Support the development and delivery of scientific research in art materials and collection care.
• Contribute to in-house scientific support requests.

• Ph.D. in conservation science, heritage science, technical art history or a physical science, or equivalent experience in a heritage science or related setting.
• Experience in scientific analysis and research within a complex environment.
• Experience in analytical and/or imaging techniques applied to works of art and experience with complex data analysis and collaborative work.
• Strong documentation skills, including report writing.
• Experience communicating with a range of stakeholders, including non-technical audiences.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills (written, visual and oral) and enthusiasm for expanding the impact of heritage science within the UK and globally.