Head of the Rijksmuseum's Paintings Conservation Studio

36 hours a week

The candidate we are seeking for this key position at the Rijksmuseum will head the Paintings Conservation Studio, part of the Conservation and Science department. Do you have the strong leadership qualities we are looking for, and experience coordinating and overseeing major conservation projects, performing complex treatments and publicising scientific research? 
 
As well as being responsible for the physical conservation of the Rijksmuseum’s collection of paintings, the Paintings Conservation Studio conducts scientific research into conservation methods and techniques, and represents the Rijksmuseum in international networks on science- and museum-related matters. A distinctive feature of the Rijksmuseum’s operational vision is the principle of joint responsibility for interconnected areas of expertise: we regard collaboration between conservators, curators and scientists as essential. 

Working at the Rijksmuseum 
As head of the Paintings Conservation Studio, you will be an inspiring department leader who develops, coordinates and conducts conservation work. You will also ensure that the scientific work carried out within the department contributes to the museum’s international reputation as a centre of expertise. The studio team comprises 12 professionals.
 
Your role will encompass: 
Managerial duties
You will lead a team of 12 conservators in resolving the challenges they encounter. This will involve imparting new experiences and insights, fostering growth in the team as a whole. You will create and maintain an atmosphere of trust and safety in the workplace. In practice, your tasks will include:

• leading the team of painting and frame conservators; 
• developing a vision for annual plans; 
• contributing to the vision and strategy of the Conservation and Science department; 
• drafting operational plans and budgets; 
• coordinating implementation plans with the internal and external parties concerned; 
• managing the departmental budget; 
• leading and contributing to projects. Both within the department and across the museum. 

Conservation
Extensive research has been conducted on The Night Watch in recent years. As part of this process, a number of decisions have been taken affecting the future of the painting. You have joint responsibility for this process. This may involve appearances in the media. You are also responsible for: 

• conducting and overseeing the conduction of conservation work at the highest possible level; 
• safeguarding the physical condition of the various sub-collections; 
• assessing the physical condition of objects for the purposes of acquisition, lending and exhibition. 

Scientific research and representing the museum
In recent years, a large amount of innovative scientific research material emanating from the conservation studio have been publicised in collaboration with the Science department. It is of key importance that conservators remain inspired to continue this process. Specific components of your role in this area include: 

• initiating and leading research projects; 
• submitting or co-submitting research outputs to leading journals; 
• representing the museum in international networks on scholarly and museum-related matters.  

What will you bring to the role? 
This role requires a blend of strong management skills and preferably a solid background in the conservation of paintings. This combination of qualities will ensure the continued excellence of the work carried out at the studio. We are looking for someone with outstanding communication skills who is responsive to the particular context of the organisation. Other requirements include: 

• academic training in conservation and restoration, preferably specialising in paintings; 
• experience leading a group of professionals; 
• experience coordinating and supervising major conservation projects; 
• experience conducting complex conservation work using the latest and/or yet to be developed methods and equipment; 
• excellent command of English and Dutch (or preparedness to learn Dutch in the first year). 

Our offer 
Your gross monthly salary (scale 13) will range from € 4.456,- to € 6.427,-. Additional benefits include 8% holiday pay, 3.4% end-of-year bonus and 194.4 hours annual leave. The intention is to convert your initial contract into a permanent contract at the end of the first term of 12 months. Non-Dutch candidates may be eligible for the 30% facility. Our offer also includes:

• the option to work from home on a part-time basis (in consultation), with a budget to set up your home office; 
• a dynamic organisation focused on your personal development.

About the Rijksmuseum
You will be working at the premier museum for the art and history of the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum stands at the heart of our national community, and is open to all. This outlook is reflected in our wide-ranging programme of exhibitions, projects and engagements with social initiatives. Our diverse team comprises 900 colleagues who work together to ensure that every visitor has an exceptional experience.

Apply now
Are you interested in this position? You can apply via the application form on our website before the 1st of May. If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Robert van Langh on +31 20 6747233. The application procedure works as follows: 

• We assess your CV and motivation letter. 
• We conduct a reference check.
• If we think you are a possible match for this position we will invite you for an initial meeting. 
• If the outcome of the first meeting is positive, it will be followed by a second conversation and an assessment. The next step would be a conversation with the general director. Assuming both parties are still enthusiastic about the prospect of working together, we will then make an offer. 

If you have any further questions about the recruitment process, please call +31 (0)20-6747000 or send an email to vacatures@rijksmuseum.nl.