Senior Research Scientist

The Collections & Research Division

The collection lies at the heart of everything we do at the Gallery. It underpins all our activities: exhibitions, research and public engagement. The Collections and Research Division is responsible for the care, development, interpretation, and display of the collection and core to our work is sharing the artworks and the stories they tell, with the widest possible audience.

The depth and diversity of the collection give the Gallery international stature. Combined with the expertise, commitment, and global networks of our team, this has led to numerous high-profile collaborations and research partnerships over the years.

Research is fundamental to the Gallery’s mission and essential to our stewardship of the collection. It informs every aspect of our work—from conservation and curatorial interpretation to public programming and education.

The Conservation Department

The Conservation Department plays a vital role in safeguarding the Gallery’s collection. At the heart of its mission is a commitment to advancing research and conservation practices through interdisciplinary collaboration—both nationally and internationally—with leading museums and research institutions. Recent highlights include:

• The 2019–2020 conservation of The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon by Lavinia Fontana, in partnership with the Centre for Microscopy at Trinity College Dublin and supported by the Bank of America Art Conservation Project;

• The 2023 Getty Foundation Conserving Canvas Initiative, focused on structural treatment and technical research on works by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Guercino) and Juan Gris;

• The 2024 TEFAF Museum Restoration Fund project, dedicated to the conservation and study of Ludovico Mazzolino’s The Crossing of the Red Sea.

The department’s team includes accredited painting and paper conservators and is supported by a newly established Scientific Research Laboratory, enhancing our ability to conduct advanced technical analysis and materials research.

The post

We are now seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Research Scientist to join this dynamic team. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in conservation science and demonstrable experience working in a cultural institution.

As a key member of the Conservation Department, the Senior Research Scientist will lead the development of a robust scientific research programme, working closely and collaboratively with colleagues in painting and paper conservation as well as teams across the broader Collection & Research Division, which includes the following departments: Curatorial, Exhibitions & Collection Services, Library & Archives, and Education.

This is an exciting opportunity to drive scientific research within a forward-looking institution committed to excellence and collaboration.

Reporting to the Head of Conservation or nominated deputy, the Senior Research Scientist will:

• Develop strategic priorities for Scientific Research in close collaboration with the Head of Conservation and Director of Collections & Research.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Scientific Research Laboratory (the Lab), including equipment oversight, training, and ensuring health and safety compliance.

• Oversee and support analytical research within the Conservation department, working closely with the conservators, curators, and other departments across the Gallery.

• Lead the design and implementation of research focused on the investigation and evaluation of conservation treatments, especially for historic and modern paintings and works on paper, including the potential development and application of new and evolving analytical techniques.

• Actively contribute to the development of the Lab and the establishment of a new facility as part of the next phase of the Gallery’s capital programme.

• Manage budgets and procurement processes for the Lab’s equipment and activities.

• Provide training, supervision, line management and mentorship to staff, fellows, postdoctoral researchers, and interns engaged in scientific research.

• Foster and maintain research collaborations within the Gallery, at local, national, and international levels, and develop opportunities for partnerships.

• Play an active role in relevant national and international research networks and keep up to date with relevant professional and analytical developments in the field of conservation science

• Disseminate research outcomes through academic publications, professional forums, including conferences, and the Gallery’s public engagement initiatives.

• Drive the development of sustainable and ethical treatment solutions, ensuring the Gallery leads in the responsible care and preservation of its collections.

• Liaise with and provide information to colleagues in the Communications team for publicity, press and the website and social media if required

• Work with the Development team on funding proposals

• Ensure ongoing compliance with Health and Safety policies, including COSHH, risk assessments, and method statements, fostering a proactive safety culture across all scientific activities.

• Partake in and enhance own professional development

The successful candidate will have:

• PhD in chemistry, physical science, or material science educational background

• Scientific research experience in a gallery/museum setting

• Strong scientific publication record

• Strong laboratory experience with the range of analytical instrumentation applied to the identification, characterisation and imaging of works of art together with experience in statistical analysis of data

• A firm understanding of the conservation issues related to fine art, in particular historic and modern paintings and works on paper, and their application within a museum or gallery context

• Proven ability to conduct joint research projects in collaboration with conservators, curators and external partners.

• An analytical and logical reasoning process and the proven ability to work through a complex topic or problem to arrive at an outcome

• An ability to manage and deliver projects on time and within budget

• A proven ability to manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, be a team player and have a willingness to learn and collaborate with others

• An interest in supporting sustainable practices in conservation and research

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience supervising people

Note: This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with Gallery screening, security and Garda vetting procedures

Conditions of employment

This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. This may be subject to review in view of new structures and/or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening and Garda Vetting procedures. The post will be subject to a satisfactory medical check and successful completion of a successful probationary period. Applicants must be fluent in English and be eligible to work in Ireland.

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

1. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or

2. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

3. A citizen of Switzerland, pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

4. A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4 permission or a Stamp 5 permission.

Please note: A 50 TEU permission, which serves as a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is considered equivalent to Stamp 4.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.

Job Details and Application Information

Grade and Salary:

The salary for this position will be in accordance with the Higher Executive Officer (PPC) pay scale, as per the 1 August 2025 pay adjustments. The salary scale for this position is as follows:

€58,847 €60,567 €62,285 €64,000 €65,723 €67,437 €69,157 €71,637¹ €74,112²

• The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, €58,847 per annum, or on a higher point of the scale, as appropriate to the successful candidate, if appointed from an existing public sector role (in accordance with Circular 08/2019).

• Candidates should note the National Gallery of Ireland complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment.

Annual Leave:The successful candidate will be entitled to 29 days of annual leave pro rata

Superannuation: The successful candidate will be placed on the public sector pension scheme.

Benefits: The Gallery provides staff the opportunity to participate in the tax saver and cycle to work schemes.

Duration: Permanent

Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks). Please note, flexibility is required and the successful candidate will be required to work occasional early mornings, late evenings and weekends.

Any personal data that you provide when applying for this position shall be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

How to apply: To apply for this position, please provide the following documents (in PDF Format):

• A CV

• A cover letter, which should be no more than two pages

Panel:

Candidates should note that at the end of the candidate assessment process a panel of successful candidates may be formed based on order of merit, from which future positions may be filled.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 18 August 2025

Interviews will be scheduled in September 2025.

At the National Gallery of Ireland, we value equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the benefits it can bring to our staff and our visitors interactions. We celebrate difference and want our people to be representative of all communities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer