Senior Heritage Scientist – Research Infrastructure & Access

Location: Indiana

* Progress, lead and take ownership of external and internal collaborative heritage science research projects in line with Collection Care’s Conservation Research Strategy and be responsible for their delivery to agreed targets and professional standards
* Contribute significantly to interdisciplinary collaboration externally and across the organisation, and help expand our national and international network
* Independently solve complex problems, applying expert degree of technical expertise, judgement, innovation and adaptability and, negotiate the resulting decisions with peers and stakeholders within and beyond The National Archives
* Maintain clear reporting and communication channels with key stakeholders, ensuring timely submission of project updates, outcomes, and strategic contributions. Systematically track, evaluate, and document impact metrics, including research outputs, collaborations, capacity-building activities, and sector influence, to evidence progress and inform institutional and national reporting frameworks.
* Keep abreast of heritage science developments to inform projects and treatments, taking a proactive part in personal and professional development and enhancing knowledge and expertise within the department and organisation
* Actively communicate the care and conservation of written heritage and the outcomes of projects across The National Archives and to the international professional community through peer reviewed articles, workshops, meetings, seminars and conferences.
* Ensure the smooth operation, integration, and use of analytical instrumentation in the laboratory
* Mentor interns, rotating student placements, or volunteers and formally manage staff, if required; you will be required to manage temporary research fellows or team members involved in research projects.
* A post-graduate degree from a recognised science, or heritage science programme or appropriate work experience with a high standard of conservation knowledge, skill and practice beyond initial training with a demonstrable expertise in scientific research
* Extensive knowledge of current conservation practice and ethical standards and the ability to develop creative and innovative approaches to heritage science
* Demonstrable skills in solving complex problems, delivering high level academic research projects, and making decisions with a high degree of professional judgement
* Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and be able to deliver outcomes to an agreed standard and timetable
* Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative, with strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload
* Excellent communication skills both written and oral and a track record of peer reviewed publications
* Very strong analytical skills, particularly with micro- and non-destructive analytical methods such as XRF (point and imaging), FTIR, Raman, multi and hyperspectral imaging, FORS and microfadometry as well as data manipulation and interpretation
* Ability to mentor and manage others
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