National Conservator – Conservation Science

The National Trust seeks a National Conservator specializing in paint analysis and research, based in Seal, Kent. This role involves leading material understanding of painted surfaces, managing paint samples, and developing standards. While there is flexibility in work location, 40-60% of the time requires being at a National Trust site. The position includes collaboration with conservators and curators, and a focus on sustainability and public engagement.
Seal, Kent

National Trust

As the National Trust’s first material conservation scientist specialising in paint analysis and research, you’ll lead on the material understanding of our painted surfaces, from 400BC to the 20th century.

This national role, involves developing standards for your work, consulting on and analysing historic samples, and managing the paint sample collection at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio (ROFCS).

You’ll be part of a heritage science network, creating clusters of excellence across the UK and exploring the materiality of our painted heritage from local to global communities.

What it’s like to work here

You’ll work nationally, inspiring and liaising with conservators, curators, and building surveyors, which will occasionally involve overnight visits and travel.

Your collaborations with National Trust properties, their collections and interiors, will develop a deep understanding of context, enabling you to advise on and take paint samples in-situ.

Your contractual location will be our Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio in Knole, Kent, and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.

The stunning studio, housed in a 15th-century barn, offers a dynamic, multi-disciplinary workspace with state-of-the-art equipment. There, you’ll be working alongside paintings, frames, furniture and object conservators and you’ll have the opportunity to explore unique public engagement objectives through our visitor area.

What you’ll be doing

As the first materials-focused conservation scientist at the National Trust, your knowledge and experience will develop infrastructure, standards and processes to ensure our sample collection is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Your work will open queries into the materiality of our collections to internal, external, and global communities.

Through your management of the paint sample collection, you’ll hold a national perspective and national coordinating role for these tiny cultural assets. Using your in-depth understanding of the latest conservation science technologies, approaches and research, you’ll support the set-up, organisation and development of the paint sample collection, including the purchase and maintenance of equipment and the research facility.

You’ll develop nationally agreed standards for sampling, documentation and data management and will maintain standards by training and supporting non-specialist colleagues. You’ll explain your scientific work and interpret results, so the collection and your research are accessible and contributes to our public program.

Sustainability will be at the heart of what you do, and you will use your internal and external professional networks to develop creative collaborations and research partnerships. This will include the sharing of equipment, facilities and knowledge. You’ll conduct thematic and object-based research, co-developing some strands with curators and conservators.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who has:
• Qualification in conservation/heritage science paint & coatings or able to demonstrate relevant equivalent achievements.
• Knowledge of the science and technologies used in analysis and technical examination of objects and interiors and the presentation and exhibition of historic collections in a variety of contexts.
• Advanced IT skills and numeracy.
• Experience in the preparation of training materials and training delivery.
• Consulting skills: listening, building trust and delivering a quality service.
• Communication skills, including public speaking and writing.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of conservation science at the National Trust and contribute to a wider network of heritage science excellence across the UK.

Apply now to join our team and make a lasting impact on the preservation and understanding of our painted heritage!

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places.