Description

We are seeking a new team member to join us in executing exciting research into the use of Chia oil in viceregal Mexican paintings and lacquerware using a novel tripartite approach: proteomics, lipidomics and genomics. Applicants must apply through this link: https://metmuseum.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/metmuseumcareers/job/The-Met-Fifth-Avenue-New-York-NY/Research-Associate--NEH-Grant--End-dated-_JR-42555

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

You will perform scientific analytical development and optimization tailored to the collaborative interrogation of complex cultural heritage materials under the supervision of a Research Scientist. You will develop, implement, and evaluate novel mass spectrometric (MS) approaches for the study of composite samples from artworks for the explicit purpose of identifying chia oil. You will be in a one-year full time position funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Carry out the development, implementation, and evaluation of novel MS approaches for analysis of cultural heritage materials including but not limited to the proteins and lipids found in chia oil

• Research, plan, conduct, and document, protocol development independently and in collaboration with The University of Bordeaux through the ARCHE partnership

• Coordinate research within The Met and with the project partners at Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hispanic Society Museum and Library

• Establish and implement MS analysis protocols at the museum

• Develop bioinformatic and biostatistical approaches for analysis of unique cultural heritage data.

• Participate in research trips to Mexico and Bordeaux, France

• Develop and utilize databases and applications to streamline the documentation and dissemination of results

• Create and maintain an accessible platform for data sharing and management

• Foster relationships with art conservators, historians, conservators and archaeologists from partner museums and institutions within an interdisciplinary research environment

• Perform literature reviews of scientific and conservation publications, proposing improvements to existing protocols and procedures

• Write progress and summary reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and annotated bibliographies on related topics and activities

• Develop platforms and activities for public engagement, including helping plan an end of project study day, as well as writing scientific articles, papers, reports or books, as appropriate

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, materials science, related disciplines, or equivalent experience

• Strong command of both written and spoken English

• Ability to work in partnership on location at the University of Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France for up to eight weeks per year

• Demonstrated expertise in mass spectrometry and advanced liquid chromatographic analytical techniques (LCMS, MALDI-MS)

• Demonstrated experience in development and implementation of sample preparation, analysis methods and protocols for MS analysis of proteins, polysaccharides, or lipids (omics methods)

• Interest in working in museum environments, specifically, either with or in proximity of art objects

• Demonstrated experience in development and implementation of sensitive methods and protocols for the evaluation of degraded or modified proteins, polysaccharides, or lipids

• Demonstrated experience in chemical interactions and/or crosslinking.

• Demonstrated experience in implementing advanced bioinformatics and statistical analysis methods on scientific data

• Demonstrated experience in development of process automation using modern database software and web-enabled tools