Research Scientist

Research Scientist

9984BR

College of Art and Design

CAD Image Permanence Institute

Job Summary

This is a research scientist position aimed at advancing knowledge in the chemical degradation and stability of cultural heritage collection materials. The appointed researcher will have expertise in materials testing and analysis, atmospheric pollutants and chemical interactions, organic chemistry, or chemical engineering. This position manages IPI ISO testing services, performs mostly independent research, collaborates on multi-scholar research initiatives, and will lead discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher. The position is expected to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences, and may have educational program related responsibilities.

We welcome applications from fields outside of cultural heritage, but will look favorably on candidates demonstrating a strong interest in the preservation science of cultural heritage.

Job Responsibilities:

Typical functions:

• Independently performs components of a research program as directed by a senior member of the research team.
• Exercise broad judgment and independence to substantially assist faculty or senior researchers in research project planning; research design; development of novel methods, techniques, processes, technologies, products; model development; overall data management; documentation and maintenance of tools, software, and method procedures; and advanced qualitative or quantitative analysis culminating in significant and original research interpretation
• Manages IPI's testing services operation including coordination and completion of materials testing services projects, contracts, technical support, and client consultations.
• Represent IPI at ISO enclosures and image stability standards group meetings including attending ISO meetings, responding to and voting on documents and ballots, and serving as a project leader when needed to revise and update ISO standards related to preservation materials testing.
• Presentation of research projects which may include authoring papers, manuscripts, publications, technical white papers.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders.
• May plan and lead small research components of existing research projects; learns methods for project planning, including assessment of cost, scope, and schedule against plan.
• Assists in identifying/securing research funding.
• Delivers research-lead teaching for professional development.
• May mentor and supervise research support staff and students.
• May assist in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate classes.
• May assist with managing research laboratories.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in specified field of preservation science, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering or related field with three years of directly related experience

OR

Bachelor's degree in specified field of preservation science, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering or related field plus at least 6 years of post-bachelor's work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrates expertise in chemical degradation and stability of organic materials
• Experience in computer programming using a high-level language such as MATLAB, Python etc.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Demonstrates the ability to independently plan and execute research.
• Demonstrates potential for original or collaborative scholarship.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Evidence of leadership in project management.
• Knowledge of research methods and analytical procedures.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of grant/project writing procedures.
• Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders.
• Ability to distill complex ideas to cross-disciplinary audiences
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Ability to lead work of others.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

A PhD in preservation science, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering or related disciplines is strongly preferred.

Applied knowledge of the following:

• Design of Experiments

Department/College Description

The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) is a research center in the College of Art and Design dedicated to supporting the preservation of cultural heritage collections in libraries, archives, and museums around the world. IPI achieves its mission through applied research, the development of practical preservation resources and tools, professional-level education and training programs, and through consulting and materials testing services. IPI resides in a 7,000 square foot space in the Gannett building of the College of Art and Design and staff members include preservation research scientists, environmental management specialists, a materials testing researcher, web application and publication designers, and business operations personnel,

RIT's College of Art and Design is a professional art and design school at the forefront of technology, art, and design. Spanning more than 230,000 square feet, our facilities feature state-of-the-art studios and labs that foster a collaborative, hands-on learning environment.

We are a dynamic community of artists, designers, and creative technologists. The College includes nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 140 full-time faculty, 60 creative staff, and numerous part-time faculty-all contributing to our collaborative ecosystem. Our five schools-Art, American Crafts, Design, Film and Animation, and Photographic Arts and Sciences-offer a diverse range of BFA, BS, and MFA programs.

As part of a top national technical university, our students benefit from unique opportunities to collaborate across disciplines in science, engineering, liberal arts, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, as well as through RIT's global campuses. Learn more at

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in specified field of preservation science, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering or related field with three years of directly related experience

OR

Bachelor's degree in specified field of preservation science, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering or related field plus at least 6 years of post-bachelor's work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrates expertise in chemical degradation and stability of organic materials
• Experience in computer programming using a high-level language such as MATLAB, Python etc.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Demonstrates the ability to independently plan and execute research.
• Demonstrates potential for original or collaborative scholarship.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Evidence of leadership in project management.
• Knowledge of research methods and analytical procedures.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of grant/project writing procedures.
• Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders.
• Ability to distill complex ideas to cross-disciplinary audiences
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Ability to lead work of others.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Professional Area:

Employment Category: Fulltime

Staff Job Function: Wage Band: $ $87600

Hourly/Salary Minimum: $52300

Hourly/Salary Maximum: $87600

How to Apply

In order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at: Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.

The direct link to this posting can be found here:

Additional Details

Rochester Institute of Technology, the 10th largest private university in the U.S., is among the worlds leading technological universities. Its 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are enrolled in over 200 academic programs, including 7 interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs. A pioneer in experiential education, RIT was the first to offer undergraduate degree programs in biotechnology, information technology, software engineering, and microelectronic engineering. As home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the university offers unparalleled academic opportunities and services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Founded in 1829, RIT has 115,000 alumni throughout the United States and around the world. RIT has been named by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the "Great Colleges to Work For." RIT is a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation site, and is responsive to the needs of dual-career couples through the Upstate NY Higher Education Recruitment Consortium. For more information, visit and .

As a member of the RIT community employees receive a well-balanced benefits package that offers a variety of choices and access to additional employment advantages. These benefits, combined with an employees pay, provide a total compensation package that can be tailored to meet your needs. More on RITs Benefits, Health & Wellness program can be found at:

RIT does not discriminate. RIT is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity, pluralism, and inclusion. For more information or inquiries, please visit RIT/TitleIX or the U.S. Department of Education at ED.Gov

Hourly/Salary Minimum: 52300

Hourly/Salary Maximum:87600

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