Conservation Scientist

The National Museum of the Royal Navy is seeking a full-time Conservation Scientist in Portsmouth, UK, with a salary of £32,936 - £34,886. The role involves working on the HMS Victory Conservation Project, focusing on fungal contamination and conservation practices. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in research project execution. The position requires hands-on work on the ship and collaboration with various stakeholders.
Conservation Scientist, Portsmouth-based

Salary: £32,936 - £34,886 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week – permanent

The National Museum’s vision is to be the world’s most inspiring Naval Museum: inspiring learning, enjoyment, and engagement with the story of the Royal Navy and its impact in shaping the modern world.

We are recruiting for a full-time Conservation Scientist to join the Museum Operations Directorate.

The Conservation Scientist will carry out a programme of work on the ongoing HMS Victory Conservation Project, guided by the Conservation Science Programme for the ship, with a current focus on biological deterioration relating to fungal contamination. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in the preservation of the ship, as we undertake a ‘great repair’ to protect the ship from damaging water ingress. The appointed person will liaise with academic partners and work closely with the conservators and shipwrights, alongside colleagues in the Conservation & Collections team, to help maintain the highest standards of conservation across our sites and collections. This role is based in Portsmouth.

The candidate will lead the work to enhance our understanding of the fungal contamination within the ship and investigate means for managing and remediating this, as well as looking at non-invasive methods for monitoring related issues on the ship. They will also work closely with our research students on HMS Victory.

The ability to independently design and execute research projects is a key part of this role to ensure that conservation best-practice is applied to our work with the ship. The role involves some practical laboratory and workshop testing, work on board the ship itself, and liaison with academic partners and contractors. Compliance with COSHH and H&S procedures is mandatory.

Key Opportunities
• Opportunity to carry out some original research and to contribute to the conservation and preservation of HMS Victory, an internationally significant historic ship with a unique set of challenges.
• Opportunity to attend and present your research findings at relevant conferences, acting as an ambassador for the NMRN.
• To experience working in a cross-disciplinary conservation workshop, where traditional craft skills and academic conservation are being brought together on this project.
• Opportunity to contribute to the conservation of our nationally and internationally important collection of historic vessels and objects.
• The role requires a significant amount of work on the ship itself, and the candidate should feel confident moving about and working in tight spaces, low ceilings, internal ladders, dim light and in temperatures that follow the season; PPE and equipment will be provided.

Knowledge/Experience
• A relevant degree and/or postgraduate degree in biochemistry or biology would be ideal, with knowledge of fungi, bacteria and insect activity or specialist knowledge in plant materials (particularly wood).
• Experience of designing and executing research projects with some laboratory or workshop element, and the ability to produce written reports to publication standard.
• Knowledge of museum conservation or heritage management would be an advantage but is not essential. In-house training will be provided.
• A positive attitude and passion for communicating the principles of conservation science to different audiences.

We Provide
• The opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.
• Group pension plan with Royal London (6% employer contributions, 2% employee contributions and death in service benefit).
• Free onsite parking – (dependent on site- not necessarily Portsmouth as need a base pass)
• 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing to 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) after 5 years’ service, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
• Flexible working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.
• Discounts at our shops and cafes.
• Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
• Charity workers discounts.
• Cycle2Work.
• SmartPay benefit.
• Refurbished tech benefit.
• Employer supported volunteering leave.
• Paid reservist leave.

This post requires a DBS check as a requirement of working on the naval base, as well as the right to work in the UK. Please note we cannot currently sponsor work visas.

For further details, or an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Diana Davis at diana.davis@nmrn.org.uk.

Applicants are asked to apply via https://jobs.nmrn.org.uk/ no later than 5pm on Friday 21st March 2025. Interviews will be held in-person in Portsmouth in March.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the HR team on recruitment@nmrn.org.uk for support.