Research Fellow
Regular Full-TimeProfessional
Los Angeles, CA, US

Salary Range:$66,950.00 To $66,950.00 Annually

Research Fellow (Regular, Full-Time)
Conservation Center

Reporting to the Head Scientist, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), is offering a two-year research fellowship position in the Conservation Research laboratory (Projected End Date 8/31/2027, At-Will employment applies). The successful candidate will provide key scientific skills and expertise as part of the ‘Carbon Reduction for Art in Transit (CRAIT)’ project, funded by IMLS. This project research and test alternative and more sustainable packaging materials for art shipping with the goal to replace (where possible) the use of non-recyclable, non-environmentally friendly materials and reduce the carbon footprints of art crates.

CRAIT is an expansion of a previous pilot program, conducted at LACMA, where several crates were tested using different packing systems. The crates were tested with different shock and vibration parameters to evaluate the mitigation of the materials used and carbon footprints was also calculated.
This research fellowship opportunity provides a unique chance to work in a highly collaborative role with a wide reach across the organization, touching on program areas as well as research and collection care. The fellow will have the opportunity to work closely with LACMA’s team and the partners in the CRAIT project to contribute to a groundbreaking project that is addressing pressing challenges in the cultural heritage field.

Responsibilities

• Research of art crates, packaging system, experimental design.
  Assist the CRAIT core team.
• Use advanced statistical methods to analyze data and present research findings through technical reports.
• Present research findings at professional conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed journals.
• Organize and manage sample preparation, data, reports, and literature review tasks according to priority.
• Develop strong communication and collaboration skills to work independently and as part of a team.
• Encouraged and supported to attend specialized training courses and participate in professional meetings and workshops for professional development.
  

Benefits

The expected annual salary for this Los Angeles, CA based position is $66,950.00 subject to change, and the position is eligible for LACMA’s comprehensive benefits package, including pension plan.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Packaging Science or STEM fields.
• Knowledgeable with life cycle assessments, carbon footprint calculations and vibrations monitor and effect on objects
• Knowledge of vibration analysis and cushioning curves
• Familiar with the cultural heritage field
• Creative problem-solving with a willingness to learn new skills and work effectively in a highly collaborative environment.
• Strong skills in organization, data management, prioritization, communication, and writing.

Interested candidates must submit the following material

A cover letter expressing the candidate's interest and intention in applying for this fellowship.
A curriculum vitae, including publication list and experience with equipment and techniques.
PDFs of at least one up to three peer-reviewed publications Three letters of recommendation from professional references Confirmation of Degree