National Conservator - Conservation Science

Overview

As the National Trust's first material conservation scientist specializing in paint analysis and research, you’ll lead on the material understanding of National Trust's painted surfaces, from 400BC to the 20th century.

This national role involves developing standards for your work, consulting on and analyzing historic samples, and managing the paint sample collection at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio (ROFCS).

You'll be part of a heritage science network, creating clusters of excellence across the UK and exploring the materiality of National Trust's painted heritage from local to global communities.

Work Environment

You will work nationally, inspiring and liaising with conservators, curators, and building surveyors, which will occasionally involve overnight visits and travel. Your collaborations with National Trust properties, their collections, and interiors will develop a deep understanding of context, enabling you to advise on and take paint samples in-situ.

Your contractual location will be National Trust's Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio in Knole, Kent, with flexibility in where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week, discussed in detail at interview.

The stunning studio, housed in a 15th-century barn, offers a dynamic, multi-disciplinary workspace with state-of-the-art equipment. There, you’ll work alongside paintings, frames, furniture, and object conservators, with opportunities for unique public engagement objectives through National Trust's visitor area.

Responsibilities

As the first materials-focused conservation scientist at the National Trust, your knowledge and experience will develop infrastructure, standards, and processes to ensure National Trust's sample collection is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Your work will open queries into the materiality of National Trust's collections to internal, external, and global communities.

Through your management of the paint sample collection, you’ll hold a national perspective and national coordinating role for these cultural assets. Using your understanding of the latest conservation science technologies, you’ll support the setup, organization, and development of the paint sample collection, including the purchase and maintenance of equipment and the research facility.

You’ll develop nationally agreed standards for sampling, documentation, and data management, maintaining these standards by training and supporting non-specialist colleagues. You’ll explain your scientific work and interpret results to ensure accessibility and contribution to National Trust's public program.

Sustainability will be at the heart of what you do, utilizing your professional networks to develop creative collaborations and research partnerships, including sharing equipment, facilities, and knowledge. You’ll conduct thematic and object-based research, co-developing some strands with curators and conservators.

Who National Trust're Looking For

National Trust’re looking for someone who has:

• Qualification in conservation/heritage science [paint & coatings] or relevant equivalent achievements.
• Knowledge of the science and technologies used in analysis and technical examination of objects and interiors and the presentation of historic collections.
• Advanced IT skills and numeracy.
• Experience in the preparation of training materials and training delivery.
• Consulting skills: listening, building trust, and delivering quality service.
• Communication skills, including public speaking and writing.

Benefits

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest, and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of conservation science at the National Trust and contribute to a wider network of heritage science excellence across the UK.

Apply now to join National Trust's team and make a lasting impact on the preservation and understanding of National Trust's painted heritage!