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Join the V&A's esteemed team for a unique doctoral placement and contribute to the conservation of historical artifacts
Overview
Salary
No salary declared 😔
Location
Cromwell Road, London
Expires
Expires at anytime
The V&A, an iconic institution boasting significant growth and a vast employee network, is offering a PhD student the opportunity to work on a distinctive doctoral placement. This project is centered on the research and preservation of the Annunciation micromosaic, a treasured piece within the museum's collection. As part of a passionate team, the chosen candidate will have the chance to delve into a project that bridges the gap between historical art and contemporary conservation techniques.
- Conduct collaborative and independent research within the museum's collections departments.
- Engage in a detailed examination and analysis of the materials used in a historic micromosaic.
- Contribute insights that will shape future conservation strategies.
- Utilize infrared reflectography to identify restoration history.
- Employ digital microscopy for high-resolution imaging and surface analysis.
- Apply XRF mapping for elemental analysis of tesserae materials.
- Use Raman microscopy for molecular identification of tesserae.
- Conduct FTIR analysis for identifying surface coatings and adhesives.
This placement, while unpaid, is financially supported by the PhD stipend in accordance with UKRI guidelines, allowing for a focus on the rich academic experience.
To apply for this exciting doctoral placement opportunity, register using Google, LinkedIn, or Facebook, or submit your application directly through the V&A's website.
The Role To provide opportunities for early-career training for PhD students, the V&A has made available a range of doctoral placements based in collections departments, archives, the National Art Library, research, and collections care and access. Each placement is a discrete project designed by members of V&A staff (who will also act as the placement’s supervisor), involving collaborative as well as independent research. This project will focus on the preliminary characterisation of the materials used in the Annunciation micromosaic (accession number 7231-1860) and will gather evidence to inform future conservation approaches, and categorise and map any alterations.
The Company The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country.
Job requirements The student will perform the scientific analysis of the object, using the following approach: Infrared reflectography will identify possible areas of past restoration/intervention; Digital microscopy will enable the collection of high-resolution images, and the recording and measuring of the profile of the object, identifying and measuring any uneven portions of the surface; this may highlight areas of possible detachments; It may also be possible to investigate degradation issues, including corrosion. XRF mapping will provide the elemental distribution of the materials used in the tesserae, and will enable a first, tentative identification of the materials; Raman microscopy will provide the molecular identification of many types of tesserae, especially those made with semi-precious stones and coloured glass materials. FTIR analysis may also be used if necessary, to identify the surface coating and the organic material used to adhere the tesserae to the wooden support.
Benefits This is an unpaid doctoral placement that is financially supported by the successful applicant’s PhD stipend in line with UKRI guidance.
Application details Please sign in with Google, LinkedIn, or Facebook to apply. Alternatively, you can apply directly through the company's website.
