Aldama scientific fellow

Closing date for applications: 12th January 2026

Salary: £36,950 per annum

Contract: 22-month fellowship

Get hands-on with National Gallery masterpieces, carrying out technical examinations and analyses of paintings while supporting major conservation and research projects.

The National Gallery is pleased to offer a 22-month fellowship in the scientific department funded by the Aldama Foundation. The fellowship will provide an excellent development opportunity for an early career researcher. Working within a busy team, you will carry out technical examination of paintings from the National Gallery and other publicly accessible collections to support a wide range of projects.

In the role, you will investigate questions that arise during conservation treatments (including condition or deterioration phenomena) and also conduct historical technical research to further our understanding of the collection. Using a range of scientific techniques within the well-equipped laboratories and studios, you will focus especially on macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) scanning but also assist with other non-invasive techniques, and carry out paint sample analysis. In addition to working with other scientists, you will collaborate closely with conservators and curators. You will report and present research results internally and externally to a wide variety of audiences.


Responsibilities

• Carry out technical examination of paintings using the available analytical and imaging techniques in support of conservation treatment projects or historical research projects
• Conduct, under guidance and supervision, macro X -ray fluorescence scanning of paintings and subsequent data processing/interpretation. Also assist with the use of other analytical or traditional imaging methods and other non -invasive techniques
• Contribute to the dissemination of the work of the Department, including publishing and presenting research outcomes internally and externally to a variety of audiences at a national and international level or via a range of routes suited to the intended audience
• Conduct analysis of paint micro -samples using the range of scientific techniques available, including optical microscopy and SEM -EDX, as and when required
• Interpret the results of technical examination using knowledge of artists’ practice and the chemistry, deterioration and history of use of materials in paintings, to provide expert advice to conservators and curators
• Record and document analytical/imaging and research results in clear comprehensive reports, supplying these, with any necessary interpretation, to colleagues within and beyond the Gallery
• Help provide the scientific contribution to a range of projects working with curatorial and conservation colleagues, including collaborative cataloguing programmes, exhibitions and other outputs
• Contribute to on -going work to develop/improve processes and procedures in the Scientific Department (e.g. in data acquisition, processing or digital documentation)
• Conduct or contribute to other project -based research projects where appropriate, to be run concurrently with wider duties

Knowledge, skills & experience

• Experience in the examination of paintings using a range of appropriate non-invasive analytical imaging techniques, and in the analysis of paint micro-samples
• Strong knowledge of the materials and techniques of paintings and understanding of conservation methods and condition, to enable interpretation of the scientific results within the historical context or to answer conservation questions
• Ability to produce clear, wellconstructed and comprehensive reports and to record and document analytical results with high levels of accuracy
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem solving skills to plan, prioritise and manage a busy workload so that deadlines are met, and high standards are achieved
• Ability to communicate with, and to interpret data for, non-scientists/non-specialists
• Able to work without the need for constant supervision, receiving general guidance and direction from the line manager, but determining day-to-day priorities and work patterns within an overall framework of deadlines and dependencies
• A high level of dexterity and the ability to work safely around paintings and deal with micro-scale samples
• A meticulous approach to work, with great attention to detail and record keeping
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams but also to work independently, with initiative and motivation, whilst also knowing when it is appropriate to seek advice from senior colleagues
• Collegial, collaborative, positive and proactive approach
• Ability and versatility to quickly learn new skills or processes, and to adapt to new ideas and initiatives

For more information, please refer to the attached job pack and explore the benefits we offer.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.