Organizer Information
The opportunity is hosted by the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, located in Amsterdam. It is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in Europe, internationally recognised for its extensive collection spanning over 800 years of Dutch art, history, and material culture. The museum holds approximately 8,000 objects on display across 80 galleries and operates as both a public-facing institution and a major research centre.
Beyond exhibition-making, the Rijksmuseum plays a significant role in conservation science, art historical research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its Conservation & Science division is a leading international hub that works closely with universities, heritage institutions, and research networks such as the Netherlands Institute for Conservation, Art & Science (NICAS). The museum’s mission combines preservation, public access, and knowledge production, ensuring that cultural heritage remains accessible and scientifically understood for future generations.
Title & Description
Head of Conservation & Science – Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the long-term preservation, conservation, and scientific research of the Rijksmuseum collection. The position sits at the intersection of museum leadership, conservation practice, and research strategy. The Head of Conservation & Science leads a large interdisciplinary department and sets the strategic direction for conservation policies, scientific research frameworks, and collaborative projects both within the museum and internationally.
The role is central to ensuring a sustainable balance between preservation and public presentation of artworks and historical objects. It involves shaping institutional vision, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, and fostering innovation in conservation methodologies and heritage science. The position also plays a key role in external partnerships, fundraising strategies, and representing the museum in international professional networks.
The Role Overview
- Position: Head of Conservation & Science
- Institution: Rijksmuseum
- Contract Type: Fixed-term contract (1 year) with intention to extend
- Working Hours: 36 hours per week
- Salary: Approx. €5,709 – €8,986 gross per month (depending on scale and experience, based on museum collective agreement)
- Reporting To: General Director
- Team Size: Approx. 65 staff across four sub-departments
- Management Structure: Leads Heads of subdepartments (Objects, Paintings & Frames, Paper & Photographs, Science)
Position & Tasks
- Providing strategic and operational leadership across the department
- Developing and implementing long-term conservation and research strategies
- Ensuring the structural preservation of the museum collection
- Facilitating and strengthening scientific research activities
- Coordinating interdisciplinary collaboration within the museum
- Leading and mentoring subdepartment heads and specialist teams
- Representing the Rijksmuseum in national and international contexts
- Contributing to fundraising aligned with institutional strategy
- Supporting knowledge exchange with external academic and heritage partners
- Promoting professional development and a reflective working culture
Categories
- Conservation & Restoration
- Heritage Science
- Museum Studies
- Art History
- Scientific Research (Heritage/Material Analysis)
- Cultural Heritage Management
- Institutional Leadership
Eligibility
- Academic-level education and professional experience
- Proven expertise in conservation and/or scientific research in a museum context
- Leadership experience in multidisciplinary institutions
- Strong understanding of organisational dynamics and team management
- Established national and international professional network
- Ability to engage with senior stakeholders and complex institutional structures
- Good command of Dutch or willingness to learn it in the short term
- International applicants are eligible
Program Benefits
- Senior leadership position within a globally recognised museum
- Competitive salary package with holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (3.4%)
- Access to international museum networks and collaborations
- ICOM card (after probation), granting access to 450+ museums globally
- Travel reimbursement (public transport fully covered above 5 km commute)
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements and home office support budget
- Participation in institutional events, cultural activities, and staff programmes
- Opportunity to shape international conservation and heritage science strategy
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Professional background documentation relevant to conservation/science leadership
- Prepared assignment (for second interview stage)
- Additional supporting materials may be requested during the assessment
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 7 June 2026
- First Interview: 18 June 2026
- Second Interview & Presentation: 29 June 2026
- Assessment Week: Week 27 (2026)
- Contract Start: To be agreed after the selection process
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Additional Details
- The role includes leading a major interdisciplinary team across four specialist conservation subfields.
- The department is internationally embedded in research and heritage science networks.
- Candidates should be comfortable operating at the executive leadership level within a complex cultural institution.
- The selection process includes multiple interview rounds and a formal assessment.
- The museum may close applications early if sufficient candidates apply.