Konserveringsscientist (Ph.d.) -Conservation Scientist

Located in Oslo, the National Museum of Norway is the largest art, architecture and design museum in the Nordic countries. It holds nearly 400,000 works spanning antiquity to contemporary art, including Edvard Munch’s first version of The Scream, important international works and extensive collections of Norwegian art and design. 

The Conservation Department is seeking a Conservation Scientist to join its multidisciplinary team of conservators, whose expertise covers a broad range of materials. The position will contribute to the development of new scientific expertise in the museum’s landmark building, opened in 2022. 

This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in shaping the scientific foundation of conservation practice at a major European museum. The successful candidate will work closely with highly skilled conservators across multiple material specialisms and contribute to a growing, internationally oriented research environment. 

At the National Museum of Norway, we are committed to advancing the understanding, preservation, and interpretation of our collections through research, collaboration, and innovation. We value diversity as a strength and actively encourage applications from qualified candidates regardless of nationality, background, or career path.

The Conservation Scientist will strengthen the museum’s scientific approach to conservation by supporting and advancing scientific work across disciplines. The role involves close collaboration with conservators, scientific analysis and knowledge sharing, as well as opportunities for independent research on the collection aligned with the museum’s research strategy.

The position includes developing and applying scientific methods and analytical techniques, which contribute to research that supports both conservation practice and scholarly interpretation. The successful candidate will be able to clearly communicate results internally across material groups and curatorial departments and externally through public dissemination and outreach. An ability to explain complex scientific concepts to non-specialists is therefore vital. 

 

Arbeidsoppgaver

Key responsibilities:

• Establish and develop a laboratory for existing scientific equipment and undertake strategic planning of current and future analytical needs in collaboration with conservators.
• Lead the operation, maintenance, and further development of scientific instrumentation and analytical equipment, as well as providing training and guidance in analytical methods and equipment use.
• Plan and undertake scientific investigations and analyses of artworks in the collection and other cultural heritage materials.
• Support conservation projects through hands‑on analysis, interpretation, and methodological guidance, while also pursuing broader research initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of a strong culture of technical enquiry and scientific practice within the department.
• Initiate and contribute to collaborative research projects and disseminate research through academic and non‑academic platforms, including publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners at national and international levels.

Kvalifikasjoner

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate who has:

• A PhD in a relevant field such as chemistry, materials science, physics, conservation science, or a related discipline.
• Research experience related to art, artefacts, or cultural heritage materials, with a documented record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience with analytical techniques relevant to cultural heritage (spectroscopy, XRF, chromatography, microscopy, or comparable methods).
• Proven experience working with historic or cultural heritage artefacts; experience conducting research in a museum environment and collaborating with Conservators is a strong advantage.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments.
• A genuine interest in art, art history, and cultural heritage; knowledge beyond material science is preferred.
• Experience drafting international and/or EU research funding applications is desirable, but not mandatory.

 Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Personlige egenskaper

Personal skills

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong collaborative instincts and an interest in museum practice and institutional research culture.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and a pedagogical, approachable manner, with a genuine interest in mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
• Communicates complex scientific concepts clearly to non-specialist and non‑technical audiences.
• Works in a structured, responsible, and well‑organised manner.

 

For the position, we highly encourage applicants who contribute to the National Museum reflecting society's diversity, and who strengthen the plurality of voices in the National Museum's important societal mission.

Vi tilbyr

We offer:

• Salary: 750,000 - 820,000 NOK
• Generous pension scheme in the State pension fund
• Flexible working
• Good insurance schemes
• An engaging working environment with knowledgeable and committed colleagues.
• Brand new studios and offices centrally located
• Bicycle parking and a gym.
• Excellent subsidized staff canteen.
  

 

Certificates and diplomas that have not been uploaded in Webcruiter must be uploaded if you are called for an interview.  Only applications sent via Webcruiter will be processed.

Kontaktinformasjon

Kari Skytt Andersen, Head of Conservation, kari.skytt@nasjonalmuseet.no
Marcia Mila, HR advisor, +4790140245, marcia.mila@nasjonalmuseet.no

Arbeidssted

Brynjulf Bulls plass 3
0250 OSLO

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Nasjonalmuseet

Referansenr.: 5116546744
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Fast
Søknadsfrist: 07.06.2026