Organizer Information
University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of Europe’s leading research universities, established in 1632 and currently hosting a large international academic community. With approximately 42,000 students and thousands of academic and professional staff, UvA operates as a major intellectual hub in the Netherlands, spanning disciplines from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and applied research.
Within UvA, the Faculty of Humanities hosts the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage programme, a highly specialized academic track focused on the preservation, analysis, and practical treatment of cultural objects. The programme is closely connected to national heritage institutions such as the Rijksmuseum and the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed), and it benefits from shared facilities and collaborative research infrastructures. The academic environment is further enriched by the Netherlands Institute for Conservation, Art and Science (NICAS), which fosters interdisciplinary exchange between conservation science, curatorial practice, and technical art history.
Title & Description
Lecturer in Photograph Conservation – Master’s & Advanced Professional Programme (APP)
This position is a teaching-focused academic role within the Conservation and Restoration programme, specifically dedicated to photograph conservation. The lecturer will contribute to both the Master’s (MSc) track and the Advanced Professional Programme (APP), educating future conservators in theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and applied conservation methodologies related to photographic materials.
The role combines teaching, mentoring, laboratory involvement, and academic coordination. The lecturer will supervise student research projects, guide hands-on conservation work, and contribute to curriculum delivery in collaboration with senior instructors. In addition, the position includes maintaining the photograph conservation laboratory and supporting the development of internships and external collaborations with museums, archives, and cultural heritage institutions.
This opportunity is designed for professionals who combine advanced practical expertise in photograph conservation with strong pedagogical skills and a commitment to academic training in cultural heritage preservation.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Academic Lecturer (Teaching-focused role)
- Contract Type: Temporary employment
- Duration: 4 years (with 2-month probation period)
- Working Hours: 15.2 hours per week
- Salary Range: €3,546 – €5,538 per month (depending on experience and qualifications)
- Start Date: 1 August 2026 (preferred)
- Reporting Structure: Under supervision of lead instructor(s) within the Conservation and Restoration Capacity Group
- Department: Faculty of Humanities – Conservation and Restoration Programme
Position & Tasks
The lecturer will be responsible for a combination of academic teaching and practical supervision, including:
- Delivering education in photograph conservation at Master’s and APP levels
- Supporting or teaching additional related conservation subjects when required
- Supervising Master’s and APP theses, internships, and applied conservation projects
- Assessing student work, including final assignments and research papers
- Contributing to the design and evaluation of academic assessments
- Maintaining and contributing to the photograph conservation laboratory environment
- Developing and maintaining partnerships with external cultural institutions for internships and object-based learning
- Participating in faculty meetings and contributing to departmental academic life
- Handling administrative and coordination tasks related to teaching activities
Categories
- Visual Arts (Conservation)
- Cultural Heritage Preservation
- Photography Conservation
- Museum Studies
- Applied Conservation Science
- Art History (Technical & Material Studies)
Eligibility
- Master’s degree in Cultural Heritage Conservation, specialized in photograph conservation
- Advanced hands-on professional experience in photograph conservation
- Pedagogical/didactic competence or teaching experience in higher education
- Ability to teach in English (written and spoken fluency required)
- Working knowledge of Dutch (or willingness to complete Dutch language certification)
- Administrative and organizational skills
- Digital literacy (standard academic and office tools)
- Team-oriented mindset and willingness to engage in institutional collaboration
Additional advantage (not required):
- PhD in a relevant field
- University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) or willingness to obtain it within three years
Program Benefits
- Competitive monthly salary (€3,546 – €5,538)
- 4-year fixed-term academic contract
- Access to professional development programmes, including UTQ training
- Structured lecturer development opportunities
- Integration into an international academic team of conservation specialists
- Access to high-level conservation laboratories and museum partnerships
- Collaboration with major institutions such as the Rijksmuseum and RCE
- Opportunity to work in Amsterdam’s central academic and cultural environment
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Updated CV (academic and professional experience)
- Motivation letter
- Portfolio or documentation of conservation work (especially photograph conservation projects)
- Academic certificates (Master’s degree or equivalent)
- Evidence of teaching experience (if available)
- Optional: publications, research output, or PhD documentation
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
- Preferred Start Date: 1 August 2026
- Contract Duration: 4 years from start date
- Notification Timeline: Not specified (typically after shortlisting and interviews)
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Additional Details
This role is embedded in a highly interdisciplinary conservation ecosystem. The lecturer will operate across academic teaching spaces and professional conservation laboratories, with direct exposure to museum-grade collections and real-world conservation workflows. The position emphasizes both academic rigor and applied practice, reflecting UvA’s integrated approach to cultural heritage education.
The working environment is international, research-driven, and closely linked to Dutch and European heritage institutions. A key aspect of the role is contributing to the training of the next generation of conservation professionals, particularly in the specialized field of photographic material preservation.