The HSLL is pleased to announce a new PhD opportunity (“Young Researcher” scheme) in the field of preventive conservation. This is a fully funded 4-year scholarship (stipend and fees), EU and International applications are equally welcome. We are looking for an outstanding applicant with MSc in chemistry, engineering, environmental science, conservation or other relevant disciplines, with a good knowledge of chemical experimental science and data analysis.

The condition is for the successful applicant to have a minimal average grade of 8.00 (80.0%) during university studies and to pass a formal selection process. The principles of equal opportunities will be strictly followed.

Deadline: 5 April 2023

To apply, please submit your application using this link.

More information about the topic and the process is available here.

Summary of the PhD topic:

The European Green Deal requires that Europe becomes the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This necessitates the development of new scientific research in all disciplines with the aim to reduce or prevent risks to the human health and to the environment. Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of chemical, climate/environmental and heritage science will help to better manage and preserve cultural heritage, while at the same time building on the principles of environmental sustainability.

The green endeavors using green chemistry methodologies in heritage conservation and preservation could provide sustainability and durability of cultural and nature heritage through environmental and socio-economical management. Energy consumption, human comfort, mobilisation of resources, cost-effectiveness, waste production, and CO2 footprint of materials and processes are all crucial aspects in modelling of the sustainability of heritage conservation. To promote a green approach in heritage conservation, storage and display of cultural heritage, this PhD research project will look at Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a modelling and evaluation tool. Detailed quantitative understanding, modelling and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts (of relevant environmental variables) of a product system throughout its life cycle will be researched. The researcher will develop a complex experimental plan to perform life cycle assessment for selected heritage material typologies, as well as evaluate the environmental and health risks, for the relevant conservation products and processes.

The researcher will carry out long-term degradation experiments for selected heritage material types, or carry out modelling of their degradation based on the existing literature. Greener conservation products will be prioritised based on LCA modelling, and the results will be visualised and presented in a manner meaningful to the decision-makers. The successful candidate will collaborate with international heritage institutions, consult on user needs and meaningfully adapt the project plan. The student will become a member of our research team.

The successful candidate will be involved in current EU projects, so knowledge of English is essential. Either good experimental chemical or heritage science knowledge is expected, especially in the field of analytical or environmental chemistry or material chemistry. The ideal candidate would have prior knowledge of modelling along with experience of laboratory work and experience of working in museums, libraries, or archives is desirable. The selection of heritage material for the modelling of the life cycle assessment as well as the focus of the work (experimental / statistical) will take place in accordance with the candidate’s expectations, so a short outline of the work (one page maximum) is expected as part of the application

For further information related to the PhD topic, please contact the supervisor, prof. dr. Matija Strlic.

For further informations related to the PhD application, please contact the HSLL Manager.