[CLOSED] Call for Volunteer Painting Conservator: Short-Term Professional Opportunity

The Science Conservation Centre for Art (SCICCA), Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, invites applications from a qualified painting conservator for a short-term volunteer placement within its Painting Conservation Laboratory.

This opportunity is intended for a professionally trained painting conservator with experience in the conservation of easel paintings, particularly modern and contemporary art, who is interested in contributing to ongoing conservation projects in a research-driven, science-based conservation environment.

The volunteer will work alongside painting conservators, conservation scientists, researchers, and interns on both laboratory-based and, where appropriate, on-site conservation projects, including easel and mural paintings. Working within SCICCA's interdisciplinary environment, the volunteer will gain first-hand experience in the conservation of culturally significant works of art in a tropical climate, addressing challenges such as high humidity, biological deterioration, and complex environmental conditions, while integrating technical examination and scientific analysis into conservation practice.

SCICCA promotes an interdisciplinary approach in which conservation treatment is informed by technical examination, scientific analysis, material characterization, stakeholders engagement and evidence-based decision-making, while respecting the artistic, historical, and material integrity of each artwork.

Scope of Work

The Volunteer Painting Conservator will contribute to the following activities, in consultation with the Head of the Painting Conservation Laboratory and relevant members of the SCICCA team:

• Participate in the technical and scientific examination, condition assessment, and conservation research of selected artworks in collaboration with the Painting Conservation and Conservation Science teams;
• Contribute to the development of appropriate conservation strategies and treatment proposals based on the condition, materials, techniques, and significance of individual artworks;
• Undertake remedial conservation and restoration treatments on easel paintings, including works on canvas, wooden panels, and composite wooden supports, in accordance with internationally recognised professional and ethical standards, as appropriate to the volunteer's expertise and experience;
• Contribute to the examination, documentation, and treatment of frames and mural paintings, where appropriate;
• Prepare comprehensive written and photographic documentation, including condition reports, treatment records, technical examination records, and final conservation reports;
• Contribute to ongoing research projects and preliminary studies undertaken within SCICCA;
• Assist with the day-to-day activities and operations of the Painting Conservation Laboratory;
• Participate actively in professional knowledge exchange, discussions, and collaborative activities within SCICCA and Chulalongkorn University;
• Contribute to a collegial, respectful, and collaborative working environment that encourages knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary exchange among conservators, conservation scientists, researchers, and students.

Duration and Location

The placement will be approximately 16 weeks, with flexible start and end dates between January and April 2027, and will be based at the Science Conservation Centre for Art (SCICCA), Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Depending on the needs of ongoing conservation projects and the volunteer's expertise and experience, the placement may include both laboratory-based conservation activities and selected on-site conservation projects.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• A Master's degree in Painting Conservation or an equivalent recognised professional conservation qualification from an accredited university or conservation training programme;
• A minimum of two years' professional experience in a paintings conservation laboratory or a comparable professional conservation environment;
• Demonstrated professional experience in the examination, condition assessment, remedial conservation, and restoration of easel paintings (canvas, wood and composite wooden supports);
• Experience in the treatment and conservation of modern and contemporary paintings is highly desirable;
• Experience with mural painting conservation would be an advantage;
• Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive condition assessments, treatment proposals, and conservation documentation;
• Demonstrated interest in technical examination, conservation science, and evidence-based conservation practice;
• A genuine interest in international collaboration, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, and the preservation of cultural heritage in Southeast Asia, particularly within the environmental and material context of tropical climates.

Volunteer Benefits and Professional Recognition

SCICCA highly values the contribution of professional volunteers and is committed to providing a meaningful, professionally rewarding, and mutually beneficial experience.

1. Professional Recognition

Volunteers will receive:

• An Official Certificate of Participation and Appreciation issued by Chulalongkorn University;
• A formal Letter of Reference  acknowledging the volunteer's contribution, professional role, and participation in the SCICCA conservation projects;
• Appropriate  acknowledgment of the volunteer's contribution in relevant project reports, presentations, and, where applicable, publications.

2. Professional Experience and Knowledge Exchange

Volunteers will have the opportunity to:

• Work directly with historical and contemporary paintings and other works of cultural significance;
• Gain professional experience within an academic, research-oriented, and science-based conservation environment;
• Collaborate with painting conservators, conservation scientists, researchers, and curators at Chulalongkorn University;
• Participate in technical examination, scientific analysis, conservation treatment, and documentation;
• Exchange professional knowledge and conservation methodologies within an international and interdisciplinary environment.
• Attend seminars, workshops, and academic discussions at Chulalongkorn University.

3. Laboratory and Technical Facilities

Subject to project requirements and laboratory protocols, volunteers will have access to the facilities and technical resources of SCICCA, including analytical and documentation equipment such as: Multi-spectral imaging, X-radiography, Optical microscopy, Micro-X-ray fluorescence (Micro-XRF), Raman spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Colour measurement equipment.

Volunteers will work alongside conservation scientists and may observe or participate in technical examination, scientific analysis, and technical imaging activities, as appropriate to project requirements and their professional background.

These facilities provide opportunities to integrate scientific analysis with conservation practice, supporting material identification, condition assessment, treatment planning, and the evaluation of conservation treatments.

4. Professional Portfolio

With appropriate permission and in accordance with SCICCA's documentation and image-use policies, volunteers may document their professional activities and selected conservation processes for inclusion in their professional portfolio and career development materials.

5. Cultural and Practical Support

• This is an unpaid volunteer placement.
• SCICCA will provide accommodation throughout the placement. Volunteers are expected to cover their own international travel, meals, local transportation outside official project activities, visa-related expenses (if applicable), travel insurance, and personal expenses.
• Local assistance and hospitality from the SCICCA team.
• Opportunities to explore museums, heritage sites, and the cultural landscape of Bangkok.

6. Long-Term Collaboration

• Potential for future engagement as a visiting conservator or research collaborator.
• Opportunities for future collaboration through research projects, professional exchanges, and joint initiatives.

To Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• A CV (or résumé);
• A portfolio including at least one conservation treatment report for an easel painting, written in English;
• A motivation letter indicating your interest in the placement and your available dates.

Please send your application to [email protected].

For further information about the placement or SCICCA's conservation projects, please contact:

Dr. Nawarat Kaew-on
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]

We warmly welcome applications from qualified painting conservators who are passionate about sharing their expertise and contributing to the advancement of conservation practice in Thailand.