Description
The Getty Conservation Institute invites applications for the 2026-2028 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Science.
Salary: $80,000 USD annually
The Getty Conservation Institute's (GCI) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Science is a two-year program designed to provide recent PhDs with experience in chemistry and other physical or material sciences with experience in conservation science. The 2026-2028 Postdoctoral Fellow will be an integral part of the GCI Science's Materials Characterization research group studying the diverse range of organic materials in cultural heritage.
The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to engage in new and existing projects and research partnerships concerned with characterizing organic materials, primarily paints and plastics. An important part of the research will be developing analytical protocols and advanced data evaluation methods that can benefit other researchers in the field. Information from this research will aid in developing conservation treatment strategies and in technical art history studies. The applied nature of this work means that the Fellow will collaborate closely with researchers from other institutions and practicing conservators.
The Fellowship runs from September 2026 to August 2028. In addition to an annual stipend and health insurance, the fellow will be provided an annual study trip allowance and other generous benefits including an apartment at Scholar Housing, a 38-unit complex located less than 2 miles (approximately 3 kilometers) from the main entrance to the Getty Center.
HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates must apply online. Please be prepared to upload a Statement of Interest; Doctoral Dissertation Plan or Abstract; Curriculum Vitae; Writing Sample; and Confirmation of Degree as a single PDF when prompted to upload your "resume" by the online application system. Candidates who successfully complete the online application process will receive an automated message via email.
Additionally, two confidential letters of recommendation must be sent separately to GCIPostDoc@Getty.edu and should also be received no later than December 1, 2025.
Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Requirements
Applicants should have a recent (2020 or later) PhD in materials science or another relevant physical science, plus experimental research experience, strong instrumental analysis skills, and application of advanced data analysis tools to chromatographic data. Demonstrated proficiency in pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and ion chromatography is highly desirable. An aptitude for self-directed learning and for working across academic disciplines is desirable, as are excellent written and verbal communication skills. Candidates should have an interest in the visual arts and a serious interest in pursuing a career in conservation science.
