Use your knowledge of art conservation and heritage science to make valuable research data more accessible to experts and researchers.
The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, in Central London, England. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Join the National Gallery as RICheS Digital Research Resource Specialist within the Scientific department to help to create innovative digital resources that will transform access to multidisciplinary research on paintings. You will drive the continued enrichment of the Reynolds Digital Research Resource and the development of similar resources built around other artists or other collections of heritage science data, beyond the current RICheS-funded project. Engaging with colleagues and partners, you will help these resources thrive and grow, improving access to a wealth of data for future research. You will also support the Scientific department's broader data management and documentation practices, strengthening the foundations for future resource development.
What you'll be doing
As Project Specialist,you will collaborate with experts across institutions to gather, organise, prepare and enrich data, contributing also to digital platform design and configuration. You will engage with future users through workshops and outreach, ensuring the resource meets diverse professional needs while documenting workflows and best practices for future initiatives.
Please note: This role does not involve practical conservation or technical examination of paintings, but does offer individuals with a background in conservation or heritage science a valuable opportunity to gain experience in data organisation, digital resource management and user engagement.
Key required skills
- Heritage science research expertise: In -depth understanding and experience in the technical examination and conservation of artworks, together with the associated documentation. Familiarity with the methods used for technical examination, and with the mate rials, techniques and conservation issues relevant to paintings.
- Knowledge of data management and FAIR Principles: Understanding of how to organise, curate and archive research data efficiently and systematically. Capable of implementing FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) in collaborati on with data specialists. Understanding of CIDOC -CRM and knowledge graph -based systems.
- Experience with digital tools or documentation methods relevant to creating online research resources (e.g. ResearchSpace ). Experience in developing, managing, or contributing to digital humanities projects, particularly those involving complex datasets and metadata.
- Strong writing and documentation skills: with the ability to document the developed methodologies, processes, and workflows clearly and comprehensively. Experience relevant to creating standard templates and guidelines to ensure consistent data entry and d ocumentation. Ability to write non -technical content as needed for the resource.
- Demonstrable analytical and critical thinking skills: Strong analytical skills to assess existing resources, identify gaps, and develop solutions for integrating diverse datasets into a unified research resource. Ability to think critically about how data and documentation can be structured to support future research and conservation efforts.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork experience: Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, engaging with professionals from various fields such as conservation, art history, digital humanities, and information s cience. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with a range of stakeholders.
- Knowledge of data standards and interoperability: Familiarity with existing standards for data and metadata in heritage science and conservation. Ability to design and implement templates for data entry in the research resources that align with broader dis ciplinary or institutional standa
This is a fixed-term contract with an anticipated end date of March 2031.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.
RICheS digital research resource specialist employer: THE NATIONAL GALLERY
The National Gallery is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where service delivery excellence is at the forefront. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and a supportive culture that values innovation. Located in the heart of London, the gallery provides a unique chance to contribute to a prestigious institution while enjoying a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance.
