Museum Conservation Scientist

Have you ever wanted the opportunity to shape the future of conservation science at a world-renowned museum?  The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) invites applications for the position of Museum Conservation Scientist to lead analytical research, conservation science initiatives, and preservation strategies for collections at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This role will drive the scientific investigation of materials, deterioration processes, and preventive conservation approaches and support curatorial research questions across the institution. You will also be encouraged to pursue independent research on DMNS collections and beyond. The successful candidate will develop and build out new laboratory capacity and have the opportunity to acquire a range of analytical instrumentation. 

The DMNS is a leading natural history museum in the nation and houses over 4.5 million objects, specimens, and belongings. The Avenir Conservation Center (ACC) at DMNS was established in 2022 through an extraordinary gift. The ACC is an advanced conservation laboratory and an entity that carries out expansive and culturally inclusive projects. At DMNS, conservators have historically mainly engaged with ethnological and archaeological collections; however, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct analytical studies on a wide range of materials including organic, inorganic, and composite objects, and a variety of different collections (anthropological, biological, geological, paleontological, and archival) and departments.

The successful candidate will actively share research findings both within the institution and across the broader museum and academic sectors. We are looking for someone eager to communicate their science broadly and translate complex findings through public programs, and both scholarly and popular publications.
This position offers significant opportunities to shape the conservation science program at the Museum. The successful candidate will play a key role in expanding analytical capabilities, building new research infrastructure, and strengthening our understanding of cultural and natural heritage materials. 

Job Class: Full Time
Hiring Range: $80,000 - $90,000
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, evenings and weekends as needed
Direct Reports: 0

Current Laboratory Capabilities 

Elemental & Molecular Spectroscopy 

• pXRF (Portable X-ray Fluorescence): Dedicated for both high-throughput laboratory analysis and in situ field elemental characterization of inorganic materials. 
• FTIR & Micro-FTIR: Fully equipped for the molecular identification of organic resins, binders, and synthetic materials at a microscopic scale. 

Advanced Microscopy 

• Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM): Optimized for the optical examination and definitive identification of mineral, wood, and fiber samples. 
• Digital Imaging: Research-grade microscopy with integrated digital capture for high-resolution morphological studies and object documentation. 

Technical Imaging  

• Multiband Imaging (MBI): Full photography setups for UV-induced visible fluorescence and Infrared Reflected (IRR) imaging to detect hidden inscriptions, previous restorations, or disparate organic coatings. 

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Geochemistry, or a related physical science. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in operating and interpreting data from a wide array of scientific instruments.
• Demonstrated interest in working in the cultural heritage industry. 

• Scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Record of extramural grant acquisition and/or private fundraising skills. 
• Proven track record working with museum collections, and/or a wide range of materials, and a diverse group of scientists and museum professionals.
• Experience designing lab spaces or procuring scientific instrumentation.  
• Supervisory or mentorship experience.  
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and oversee complex facility projects. 
• Public speaking ability, including experience with, or interest in, developing skills in a wide range of science communication styles and media.
• Knowledge of preventive conservation, environmental monitoring, and museum standards. 

Applications must include a single merged PDF that contains: (1) a one- to two-page cover letter stating the rationale for interest in this position and how you would contribute to building the conservation science program at DMNS; (2) a one-page statement on your current and future research interests; and (3) a curriculum vitae that includes dates of conferred degrees and a list of names and contact information of three references.