Assistant Scientist (Built Heritage Research Initiative)

We are looking for an Assistant Scientist to fill a two-year, limited-term position, providing research and analytical support in the Getty Conservation Institute's Science Department. Your work will be part of the Built Heritage Research Initiative, a multi-project initiative aiming at improving the understanding of built heritage materials and their response to weathering and developing novel approaches for their preservation. You will be an integral member of the team, helping us broaden our expertise on traditional and innovative methods for investigating critical material properties, assessing the efficacy and durability of conservation treatments, and monitoring changes due to natural and accelerated weathering, integrating laboratory and field-based techniques.

This job will be based in our laboratories and offices at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. It will begin on-site full-time, and the opportunity to request a telework schedule may be available after an initial period of training and orientation, which will be discussed and approved by your supervisor. Typically, staff with approved telework schedules at the Getty Conservation Institute are in the office more than half of the time.

Mission

The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) works internationally to advance conservation practice in the visual arts-objects, collections, architecture, and sites. The Institute serves the conservation community through scientific research, education and training, field projects, and disseminating information. In all our endeavors, we create and deliver knowledge that contributes to the conservation of the world's cultural heritage.

You will contribute to the Stone Conservation and Learning from Nature projects, improving current methods and developing innovative strategies for damage assessment and monitoring as part of our work on accelerated aging of porous substrates (stone, plasters) via salt crystallization, and field exposure trials to investigate the durability of earthen materials and conservation treatments. Conduct research and provide analytical support to the Built Heritage Research Initiative team's efforts to:

Explore multi-scale methods for damage assessment due to accelerated and natural weathering of built heritage materials (stone, plasters, earthen substrates).
• Improving existing methodologies based on photographic and photogrammetric approaches for detecting damage onset and monitoring damage evolution in laboratory and field conditions.
• Investigate laboratory approaches based on 3D microscopy for early-stage detection of deterioration patterns and the integration with other non-destructive or minimally invasive methods (including, but not limited to, ultrasonic testing, DRMS).
• Develop simplified, practice-oriented protocols for effective transfer of damage assessment and monitoring methods to the conservation community.
• Prioritize workload, prepare samples, identify and apply appropriate instrumental techniques available at the GCI, collect/organize/manage/interpret data, create reports, and perform literature reviews.
• Contribute to setting up and conducting laboratory accelerated aging protocols and field exposure programs, applying and adapting standard protocols, and developing new ones.
• Assist with developing characterization and monitoring strategies for the long-term assessment of conservation treatments of built heritage surfaces in real-world conditions.
• Present research findings at professional conferences and contribute to publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• As part of the Built Heritage Research Initiative team, you will develop short- and medium-term project goals and contribute to establishing strategic priorities.
• Additionally, professional development is encouraged and supported through on-the-job training, attendance at specialized training courses, and participation in professional meetings and workshops.

• Bachelor's degree in material science, geology, or other natural science, architecture, engineering, or conservation is required; Master's degree preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in scientific research, preferably in the field of cultural heritage conservation.

• Experience using photographic techniques for documentation, condition assessment, and monitoring changes of decorated and non-decorated built heritage surfaces.
• Experience with multi-scale application of photogrammetric methods for documentation and monitoring damage of heritage surfaces and use of related software.
• Experience using a range of analytical techniques for the characterization of built heritage materials and the evaluation of conservation treatments both in the lab and in the field (e.g., digital microscopy, optical microscopy and SEM-EDX, VIS-light spectrophotometry, water absorption and contact angle measurements).
• Hands-on familiarity with samples collection, specimens preparation, and execution of laboratory testing protocols, including accelerated aging tests.
• Knowledge of the behavior, main weathering mechanisms associated with built heritage porous materials and related conservation strategies is preferred.
• Experience working with conservators in conservation science laboratories and in the field is preferred.
• Creative problem-solving skills and an openness to learning new skills sets.
• Ability to work effectively individually and in a highly collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational, data management, prioritization, communication, and writing skills.

International candidates are welcome to apply. Discussions regarding possible visa sponsorship typically occur once a final candidate has been identified and will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to, type of visa required and current regulations. Recent changes in US immigration and work-related visa policies may limit our ability to provide sponsorship for certain visa types.

No relocation assistance will be provided for this position.

All candidates must apply online. Please be prepared to upload your cover letter and CV/resume when prompted to do so by the online application system. Candidates who successfully complete the online application process will receive an automated message via email. If you have questions about this position or the recruiting process, please email gcistaffing@getty.edu.

Deadline for applications is February 9, 2026

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.