JOB TITLE Graduate Conservation Assistant - Science
LOCATION West Dean College
SALARY £10,908 per annum (FTE £27,270)
HOURS 2 days per week

The Organisation
West Dean College is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for art, design, craft, and conservation education. The work of staff and students, frequently rooted in traditional skills, is both innovative and world leading.
We are making bold and ambitious moves as an organisation with the expansion of our portfolio, the redevelopment of our estate and our strategic push on diversity and sustainability.
Our programmes are delivered across two sites in the UK - West Dean, the idyllic Grade II listed rural campus in the stunning South Downs near Chichester (West Sussex), and our prestigious Chelsea Harbour site in the heart of London. These inspiring locations provide the ideal environment in which students can work across disciplines and forge exciting new collaborations.

The Role
Assistance to the Science Department, with a focus on the GD and MA Conservation Programmes, which will include supporting tutors with demonstrations, materials analysis, and support to students within the lab. This would involve liaising with Tutors and the Technical Resources Department.
Key areas of responsibility:
• Revise and update analytical equipment protocols.
• Support the Conservation Science tutor in the development of new explanatory videos for the use of analytical instruments.
• Set up a file system for data, slides and sample libraries.
• Maintaining a system for the students and staff to request use of equipment as needed.
• Maintaining up to date records of stock of chemicals and assisting with the ordering of materials to maintain stock levels and update the inventory of chemicals.
• Update COSHH folders and writing risk assessments for the use of chemicals, equipment, and processes alongside relevant Safety Data Sheets.
• Support research projects on an ad hoc basis.
• Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably requested across the School of Conservation

Who we are looking for:
Education and Qualifications
• Graduate of a West Dean or other Conservation programme
• Working knowledge of the professional practices within a conservation discipline (conservation science)

Experience and Knowledge
• Working knowledge of Conservation studio practice
• Experience in the use of lab equipment.
• Awareness of current theoretical, conceptual, and practical issues within the discipline.

Skills and Personal Characteristics
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• A high level of organisational skills.
• Management, Facilitation and Liaison skills
• Practical skills.
• Interest in personal research and continuing professional development

The Benefits
In recognition for all your hard work and dedication, we can offer you:
• 33 days holiday per year (pro rata for hours worked less that full time)
• Pension (we’ll match you up to 7.5%)
• Life Assurance
• Company Sick Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 25% off retail and restaurant
• 50% off short courses
• Salary sacrifice schemes
• Free on-site parking

Closing Date: 8 April 2024
We will be reviewing applications as we receive, therefore we may hire prior to end date of advert subject to right candidate.
Candidates for this role will need to be able to demonstrate a current Right to Work in the UK.

• Please view the Graduate Conservation Assistant Science document (opens in a pop up)