Internships, Employment, and Careers

Vacancy Announcement: Preservation Scientist

The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) and Northwestern State University seek a Ph.D. analytical, organic, or physical chemist to fill a joint-faculty position for two years, with an option for annual renewal pending availability of funds. Experience in environmental science and/or preservation preferred. This is a teaching and materials research position that is jointly shared and is located on Northwestern State University's campus.

During the two-year appointment, the incumbent will spend 2080 hours with NCPTT developing and completing a research project and 2080 hours with NSU in a teaching capacity within the undergraduate chemistry program. Teaching responsibilities include 9 hours in the fall and 6 hours in the spring on topics of general, organic, or analytical chemistry. Also, the incumbent will develop or continue a research project under the direction of the NCPTT Materials Research Program Chief. The topic will be the effects of man-made outdoor air pollution on cultural resources. Hands-on research will include activities associated with the NCPTT Environmental Exposure Facility. The incumbent may supervise undergraduate and graduate research interns during summer months.

The successful candidate will demonstrate experimental and theoretical skills in analytical, organic, or physical chemistry. This includes the ability to review appropriate literature, establish new hypotheses, design experiments, evaluate and analyze data, synthesize research results and disseminate information through oral presentations, peer-reviewed journals and electronic media. Knowledge of undergraduate general chemistry and analytical chemistry is essential. The candidate shall also demonstrate teaching skills including the ability to develop new courses, lectures, and lab sessions. Strong verbal and writing skills are needed for the position. Other skills include the ability to develop didactic materials including course syllabi, handouts, lab experiments, lecture notes and tests. The candidate will apply NSU standards for testing and grading student performance.

We offer the successful candidate a unique opportunity to apply science to the preservation of cultural resources. Interested applicants should submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and references to: Mary F. Striegel, NCPTT, 645 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71457. For more information contact Mary Striegel online, by phone at (318) 356-7444 x224 or visit our website at http://www.ncptt.nps.gov. AA/EOE

While summer internship positions have been filled, the announcement below is being kept online for informational purposes.

What It's About

NCPTT offers highly motivated interns the opportunity to learn more about preservation technologies through ten-week summer internships. Opportunities may include hands-on research, teaching, geophysical prospection, GIS/GPS data collection, materials testing in field and lab settings, curriculum development, or cemetery conservation. Internships are offered for undergraduate and graduate students.

Positions will begin no later than June 2, 2008. Interns will be short term employees of Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Compensation will be based on experience, including academic experience. Internships are pending availability of funding.

Who We Are

NCPTT is an interdisciplinary research facility serving the historic preservation community nationwide. Our current work includes the fields of historic architecture, heritage education, archeology and collections, and materials conservation.

NCPTT is a research and training office of the National Park Service located on the campus of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

What You Need

Applications are invited from qualified candidates for a limited number of undergraduate and graduate internships at the NCPTT.

Applicants should demonstrate skills and knowledge in preservation technology. This may include but not be limited to:

• documentation
• condition assessment
• literature reviews
• laboratory or field research
• materials testing
• hands-on preservation treatments,
• or other related skills.

All undergraduate applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled at a four-year accredited university or college program. All graduate applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral degree program in disciplines such as architecture, anthropology, conservation, chemistry, engineering, geology, geography, landscape architecture, preservation, etc.

To apply, send a letter of interest that includes the dates that the candidate would be available for work at NCPTT (between June 2, 2008 and August 8, 2008), resume, and a current transcript, to

Applications will be accepted through February 1, 2008.

Selections will be announced on March 1, 2008.

Applicants will be notified by mail or e-mail.

The National Park Service and Northwestern State University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For more information, contact Mary Striegel or call (318) 356-7444.