Description

The Collections Analytical Lab

The Collections Analytical Lab (CAL) at Yale University's Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH) is a newly created lab designed to serve as the primary home for conservation science partnership across Yale's museum and library collections. CAL's charge is to provide analytical research expertise as a key contributor to Yale's exhibition, loan, publication, and preventive conservation programs. The lab provides timely and responsive consultation, within staff capacity, to research requests related to conservation treatment, curatorial inquiry, object interpretation, routine diagnostics, storage conditions, etc. CAL will prioritize limited scale projects and employ methods that leverage IPCH's established infrastructure, while also building new university relationships as projects develop. Organizationally, CAL sits beside the Heritage Science Research Lab (HSRL) at IPCH which has been newly re-charged to focus on large-scale, long-duration research projects, teaching, and international partnerships. CAL shares facilities, equipment, and expertise with HSRL as part of a dynamic community of heritage scientists, and they may mutually refer projects or work with outside vendors as necessary.

The Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Established in 2011, the Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage's mission is to preserve and promote cultural heritage through interdisciplinary research, conservation, and educational opportunity. In addition to a concerted focus on Yale's collections community, the Institute also supports robust international programs and collaborations centered on cultural heritage preservation and capacity building in the Global South. IPCH is located on Yale's West Campus in the Collection Studies Center, approximately 15 minutes from downtown New Haven. This facility houses the university's shared conservation laboratory, conservation science laboratories, and imaging studios together with collections storage and study centers. IPCH functions as Yale's cross-collection platform for analytical research, conservation imaging, and professional development in support of the conservation staff, interns, and fellows that work across Yale's collections: the University Library (including the Beinecke Rare Book Library), the Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Yale University Art Gallery, and the Yale Center for British Art. In addition to the curatorial and conservation teams within these units, IPCH staff also maintain relationships with faculty and staff from across the university in support of research and programming goals.

Position

IPCH seeks an experienced, dedicated leader to serve as the inaugural Director of the Collections Analytical Lab (CAL). Reporting to the Director of IPCH, the CAL Director will lead and direct a lab focused on analytical research of cultural heritage materials within the Yale collections. Utilizing diplomacy, compromise, and outstanding management and communication skills, the Director will establish collaborative relationships and maintain efficient and sustainable workflows across multiple collection stakeholders. In establishing a new lab, the CAL Director will work closely with the Director of IPCH to determine staffing and funding plans to help grow the lab's capacity, as well as establish clear documentation and reporting and defined metrics of success. They will serve as an ambassador for IPCH to foster excitement and visibility for the work of conservation science across Yale and beyond. The position term is five years with possibility of extension as funding allows. IPCH is actively seeking funding to help secure this role permanently.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with representatives from Yale's museum and library collections to formulate and prioritize research agendas, execute analysis, and report on findings. Identify partners and external collaborators as necessary.
• Manage and oversee an annual budget plus any contracts and projects, ensuring they are executed effectively and align with the strategic objectives of IPCH and Yale.
• Manage staff and trainee recruitment, onboarding, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative environment and maintain the highest standards of performance and professionalism.
• Partner with the Heritage Science Research Lab (HSRL) to strategically oversee the management, development, and maintenance of IPCH's scientific laboratories and instrumentation. Work in collegial cooperation with HSRL scientists to mutually refer projects and ensure a robust professional community.
• Ensure the safe operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, tools, and supplies, including the responsible handling of hazardous substances, in line with best practices and safety regulations.
• Contribute to fundraising, outreach, and donor stewardship. Develop grant and project proposals to advance the work of IPCH.
• Working with the Director of IPCH and the Conservation at Yale Steering Committee, work to continuously develop and optimize CAL's project management and operations.
• Serve on committees at Yale and within the broader cultural heritage community, aligning with and supporting the mission of IPCH.
• Identify and integrate new technologies, methodologies, and equipment to advance research capabilities at IPCH and in the cultural heritage field.
• The Director is expected to prioritize active and timely research partnerships with Yale's collections, with minimal teaching, travel, and independent research and publishing activities.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Master's Degree in scientific discipline
• A minimum of seven years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to lead and manage research teams, preferably in heritage and conservation science, ensuring high performance in a matrixed environment.
• Experience supervising and mentoring interns and fellows at various academic and professional stages.
• Demonstrated success in managing competing priorities and stakeholders.
• Expertise in establishing systems, documentation, and metrics to support successful and sustainable partnerships.
• Skill in identifying, integrating, and utilizing new technologies and equipment in cultural heritage research, with experience managing scientific instruments and adhering to lab safety protocols.
• Expertise in managing research contracts and projects, including budgeting, to ensure alignment with IPCH's goals.
• Experience developing grant proposals and engaging in fundraising, outreach, and donor relations.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for Yale University, without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

PhD degree in physical or bio-physical sciences (including chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biophysics, materials science, and polymer science)

Experience in a cultural heritage environment such as academia, museums, collections, public or private research institutes.

Knowledge of one or more languages other than English

Additional Information

The annual salary range for this position is anticipated to be $120,000 - $150,000 and will depend on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

The Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage has retained Claremont Search Advisors to support this recruitment. To submit an application, please send an email with a resume and cover letter to YaleIPCH@claremontsearch.com.