Postdoctoral researcher specialising in medieval stained glass (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The position is part of a collaborative ANR-funded project VitrAGE that aims to investigate the evolution of glassmaking techniques and recipes of stained glass windows from the 12th to the 15th centuries. In close collaboration with the project partners (IMPMC, IPGP, IRAMAT), the postdoc will be responsible for building a comprehensive database of stained glass windows, including legacy data and newly acquired chemical, optical and structural data, which requires laboratory based as well as on-site analyses.

Activity

The main objectives are as follows:
Compile legacy data of stained glass windows, this requires extensive data curation and critical assessment of published data.
Compositional analysis of stained glass windows in the laboratory by LA-ICP-MS and on site by pXRF. The latter requires the establishment of a robust calibration protocol, critical evaluation of the performance of the pXRF including the evaluation of raw spectra to obtain quantitative chemical data.
Explore colour generation based on compositional data, optical absorption spectroscopy and experimental reproductions in the laboratory, synchrotron based methods may also be required to further characterise the redox state of the transition metals underlying the colouration of the glass.
Develop an open database that includes all experimental data as well as legacy data.

Additional duties and responsibilities
• To engage in advanced research within the field of medieval glass studies in accordance with the work plan;
• To disseminate research through open access publications in peer-reviewed journals;
To participate in international conferences and seminars, and through other media;
To help develop and maintain a network of collaborations;
To attend regular team meetings;
The postdoctoral researcher may also be involved in supervising master's students;
This post might involve some traveling to sites with stained glass.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate must hold a doctorate in a relevant field (e.g. inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, archaeological science);
Practical experience I some instrumental and /or chemical analysis (SEM, EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, optical absorption spectroscopy) and material characterisation is essential;
An interest and some experience in the study of archaeological materials and the history of technologies and materials of the Middle Ages would be advantageous;
Scientific curiosity, a high level of rigor and commitment to research of the highest standards are also important selection criteria;
Digital skills (e.g., data visualization, digital archiving, or computational methods) are essential;
Capacity to publish in international journals and with major presses in the field will also be considered;
Good communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work successfully in a team are required;
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential.

Your Work Environment

The postdoctoral fellow will be employed by the CNRS, specifically the Délégation Centre Limousin Poitou Charente, with IRAMAT-CEB as the primary host institution, but research may be conducted in the other two laboratories that form part of the collaborative research team of the ANR-funded project. The research consortium combines three different CNRS units: IMPMC (CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, MNHN), Institut de Recherche sur les ArchéoMATériaux (IRAMAT-CEB, UMR7065) and the Institut de physique du globe de Paris (IPGP). The postdoctoral position is part of work-package 1 (WP1) on the “Evolution of glass compositions: origin and raw materials”. Since the project is being carried out in partnership with other laboratories, it may involve working in Paris as well as Orléans.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

starting at € 3041.58 gross depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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