About the Position
Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation invites applications for a fully funded postdoc in Material Science for Heritage Conservation with a focus on climate resilience for collections and objects. This three-year, full-time position is hosted at the Institute of Conservation and aims to strengthen research in heritage science, predictive modelling, and preventive conservation. The postdoc will be supervised by associate professors with expertise in material testing and predictive modelling and will work in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
The position offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on climate effects, conservation treatments, and degradation prediction for heritage materials, including plastics, archaeological wood, and paintings. Candidates with experience in chemical analyses, imaging, artificial ageing, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, tensile testing, and other relevant techniques are encouraged to apply. Teaching duties will also include heritage science and climate resilience courses at BA, MA, and PhD levels, including contributing to the development of an international PhD course in “Materials and Modelling for Heritage.”
This role provides a unique chance to advance your career in a globally recognised heritage science institute, collaborate with museums, industries, and public institutions internationally, and contribute to research shaping climate-resilient conservation practices.
Program / Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – Material Science for Heritage Conservation
- Institution: Royal Danish Academy, Denmark
- Department: Institute of Conservation
- Research Field: Material Science / Heritage Conservation
- Supervisor: Associate Professors, Institute of Conservation
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Number of Positions: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, 3-year Fixed-Term
- Start Date: July 2026 (or ASAP)
- Working Hours: 37 hours/week
- Salary / Funding: As per the Danish Ministry of Finance collective agreement, negotiable qualification allowance
This fully funded postdoctoral position at the Royal Danish Academy, Denmark, is open for one candidate starting July 2026.
Research Area
- Material Testing of Heritage Objects (plastics, archaeological wood, paintings)
- Climate Influence on Collections & Preventive Conservation
- Predictive Modelling & Degradation Analysis
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration with Museums, Public Institutions & Industry
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s in Materials Engineering, Heritage Science, Chemistry, or Physics
- PhD or equivalent scientific qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in material testing, physical model production, and predictive modelling
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration skills
- Documented teaching experience at BA/MA level
- Track record in externally funded research projects
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct material science research focused on heritage conservation
- Produce and test physical models, collect data for predictive modelling
- Publish results and contribute to academic dissemination
- Teaching and curriculum development in heritage science and conservation
- Participate in cross-disciplinary teams, committees, and project proposals
Application Process
Applications must include:
- Motivation letter in English
- CV and academic diplomas/certificates
- Research plan and publication list (max 5 highlighted works)
- Evidence of teaching qualifications
- Assessments of previous postdoc positions (if applicable)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 12 February 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Interview Dates: Not specified
- Expected Start: 1 July 2026
Useful Links / Internal Linking
- Official Institution Website: Royal Danish Academy
- Job Announcement: Talentech – Postdoc in material science for heritage conservation
- Apply Here: Talentech – Postdoc Application Form
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