PhD researcher (m/f/x) ‒ EEHOP project
Do you want to help improving oil painting preventive conservation and restoration policies to prevent the degradation caused by metal carboxylates, in order to ensure the long-term conservation of historical oil painting collections in Belgium and abroad? Would you like to gain an insight into the degradation processes of these paintings by exploring metal carboxylate-related electrical properties and ionic processes in oil paint films?
The Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) and the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) are looking for a
Doctoral researcher (m/f/x)
for the completion of a doctoral thesis as part of the EEHOP project (Electromagnetic Exploration of Historical Oil Paintings).
The project will push forward the boundaries of the current knowledge on historical oil paint degradation mechanisms by exploring metal carboxylate-related electrical properties and ionic processes in oil paint films. These advancements will help improving oil painting preventive conservation and restoration policies to minimize the carboxylate-induced causes of their degradation and thus strongly contribute to the long-term stability and conservation of the vast cultural heritage constituted by historical oil painting collections, both in Belgium and abroad.
Sought-after profile
- You have a Master's degree in science or engineering with a specialization in physics-chemistry of materials.
- You are scientifically curious and have a keen interest in research.
- You have in-depth knowledge of organic and coordination chemistry.
- Basic knowledge of electromagnetism and/or high-frequency measurement techniques (from MHz to GHz) will be an important asset.
- You have theoretical and practical knowledge of the analytical methods used for the micro-characterization of organic and inorganic materials, such as microscopic (OM-POL/UV and SEM-EDX), elemental (e.g. XRF and ICP), molecular (µ-FTIR and MRS) and chromatographic (HPLC and GC-MS) analysis methods.
- Knowledge of heritage chemistry, with particular emphasis on drying oil-based paint systems, pigment-oil binder interactions and the various types of metal carboxylates found in oil-based paint layers is desirable.
- You have practical experience in the use of simulation and data processing software such as MatLab or Python.
- You are able to carry out high-quality work in interdisciplinary research projects.
- You work in a structured way, taking into account priorities and deadlines.
- You are able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- You are willing to take the initiative and invest yourself in your work.
- You have excellent writing and oral communication skills in English.
Interested? Apply until Wednesday May 15th 2024.