Physical Scientist (Supervisory )

National Gallery of Art • Washington, DC

4d

About The Position

The Head of the Scientific Research Department serves the National Gallery of Art by providing high-quality analytical services and scientific research to support the study and preservation of the museum’s collections. The position reports to the Chief of Conservation within the division of the Chief Curatorial and Conservation Officer.

The role oversees the department’s operations and administration, including personnel actions, budgets, and work assignments. It plans and conducts scientific research on artists’ materials, their chemistry, and degradation mechanisms using state-of-the-art analytical methods, and plans and conducts testing and evaluation of materials used for conservation. The position publishes scientific findings, supports staff research, and collaborates with conservators and curators on programs and publications aligned with the institution’s mission and goals.

Requirements

• Be a United States citizen.
• Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics including 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science; alternatively, qualifying equivalent education combined with appropriate experience or additional education.
• Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in responsibility to the GS-14 level in the Federal service or private sector, working with scientific methods and equipment associated with the study of materials commonly associated with artwork.
• Submit a resume documenting qualifying experience, including dates and hours worked or volunteered per week.
• Meet qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Pass a pre-employment background investigation and be suitable for Federal employment.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• May be required to serve a supervisory probation period.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation and administration of the Scientific Research Department, including personnel actions, budgets, and work assignments.
• Plan and execute scientific research on artists’ materials, their chemistry, and degradation mechanisms using state-of-the-art analytical methods.
• Plan and execute programs to test and evaluate materials used for conservation.
• Publish scientific findings and support staff research endeavors.
• Collaborate with conservators and curators on programs and publications related to the institution’s mission and goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package, with access to benefits for employees and their families.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Health insurance.
• Leave.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement program.
• The position may be offered a recruitment incentive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior