The Conservation Department, established in 1964, plays a fundamental role in the physical care and stewardship of the National Gallery of Irelands collection. Its work ensures that artworks are preserved to the highest international standards, made accessible to scholars and the public, and safeguarded for future generations. The department also fosters interdisciplinary research, professional training, and collaboration with national and international colleagues and conservation bodies.
Conservation at the NGI encompasses several specialised areas of practice:
- Painting Conservation
Oversees the conservation of the Gallerys extensive painting collection, encompassing Old Master to contemporary works.
- Paper Conservation
Responsible for the care of over 11,000 works on paper and miniatures, as well as the Gallerys extensive archives and library holdings.
- Preventive Conservation
Focuses on identifying, monitoring, and mitigating risks to the collection. This includes environmental control, pest management, exhibition design, light monitoring, storage, and emergency preparedness.
- Research Science
The Gallerys newly established Scientific Research Laboratory enhances our ability to conduct technical analysis and materials research. It supports conservation and curatorial research through scientific analysis of artworks, facilitating a deeper understanding of artists techniques and the ageing processes of materials.
- Photography & Imaging
Photography, including specialised techniques such as infrared imaging and X-radiography, plays a vital role in the study and care of the Gallerys collection.
As part of the Collections & Research Pillar, the Conservation Department supports an ambitious programme of exhibitions and loans, while ensuring the highest standards of collection care and stewardship. The Department has an established international reputation for excellence in conservation practice, underpinned by collaborations with leading museums and research institutions worldwide. Its experienced team of specialists work closely together to study, record and preserve works of art. The Conservation Department also maintains an active internship and fellowship programme, reflecting the Gallerys commitment to professional development, training, research, and the advancement of the conservation profession in Ireland.
We now wish to appoint a confident and collaborative Head of Conservation with outstanding leadership, communication, and strategic management skills. The successful candidate will be an experienced and highly respected conservator with a significant track record in research and professional practice, and with the ability to lead a multidisciplinary team. He/she will bring a clear and ambitious vision for the future of the Conservation Department. The role requires an outward-looking leader with a flexible, pro-active approach who can inspire teams, foster international partnerships as well as those across the island of Ireland, secure new opportunities for research and funding, and continue to develop and strengthen the Gallerys reputation in the area of conservation and conservation science.
- Lead the strategic direction, operational management, and future development of the Conservation Department in alignment with the Gallerys institutional priorities.
- In close consultation with the Director of Collections & Research, develop and implement a multi-annual conservation strategy, including priorities for collection care, preventive conservation, research, scientific analysis, digitisation and public engagement.
- Provide guidance to the Director and Director of Collections & Research on all matters related to the care of the collection.
- Provide leadership, supervision, mentoring, performance management, and professional development opportunities for all staff in the Conservation Department.
- Anticipate future conservation challenges and plan for sustainable solutions.
- Manage the departments annual operational plan, staffing resources and budget, ensuring effective documentation of conservation treatments and activity, financial management and reporting.
- Provide detailed reports on the Departments activities for the Director of Collections & Research, Director, Executive Leadership Team and Board.
- Advise and play a key role in the creation of a new conservation studio, laboratory, technical imaging facilities, and related infrastructure as outlined in the Gallerys Master Development Plan (MDP).
- Carry out conservation treatment on works of art in the collection within an area of professional competence relevant to the Gallerys holdings.
- Encourage, initiate, and lead conservation and technical research projects, publications, and scholarly outputs within the department.
- Enhance the Gallerys research capacity and contribute to the development of conservation and technical scholarship.
- Promote wider access to conservation knowledge through publications, exhibitions and outreach and proactively identify and implement opportunities to raise awareness of the Conservation Departments work.
- Develop opportunities for public engagement, interpretation, training, internships, and educational programming relating to conservation and conservation science.
- Communicate complex conservation issues clearly to diverse audiences.
- Encourage staff training, professional development, and knowledge exchange.
- Identify and secure external funding, including grants and governmental funding, corporate sponsorship, philanthropic support and collaborative research funding in support of conservation and scientific programmes.
- Be an excellent advocate for the Department and Gallery as a whole and strengthen and grow effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including (potential) donors, supporters and partners.
- Build and maintain strategic national, all-island and international partnerships with museums, universities, conservation institutes, research bodies, and professional networks to support research, knowledge exchange and staff development.
- Liaise closely with the Director of Collections & Research, the Head Curator and the Curatorial team regarding conservation procedures and treatments, treatment proposals, technical investigations, acquisitions, loans, exhibitions, and educational programmes.
- Work collaboratively and collegially with the other Heads of Department in the Collections & Research Pillar, and with other teams across the Gallery.
- Represent the NGI in Ireland and internationally in professional forums, partnerships, conferences, and collaborative initiatives.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review departmental policies, protocols, procedures, and standards.
- Ensure that conservation activities are transparent, ethical, documented and accountable.
- Lead the development of risk management approaches and evidence-based decision-making processes in conservation treatments, collections care, and technical analysis.
- Ensure appropriate physical and environmental conditions in galleries and storage areas in accordance with best practice and international standards.
- Contribute to the development, implementation, and regular testing of the Gallerys disaster preparedness, emergency response, and business continuity plans.
- An M.A. or equivalent postgraduate qualification from a recognised conservation training programme or institute.
- A minimum of ten years experience as a senior practicing conservator, including significant experience relevant to the Gallerys permanent collection.
- Demonstrated leadership experience at a senior level with substantial responsibility for strategic planning and operational management.
- Significant experience leading, motivating, mentoring, and managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience initiating and leading significant conservation projects.
- Comprehensive knowledge of conservation methodologies, preventive conservation, science, technical examination, documentation and the resources required to support the care, treatment, and long-term preservation of collections.
- Demonstrable experience developing departmental strategies, policies, operational procedures within a museum or gallery.
- In-depth knowledge of current developments, emerging technologies, and international best practice in conservation science and practice.
- Ability to make critical decisions and provide authoritative conservation advice using evidence-based approaches and specialist expertise from across the team where appropriate.
- Proven experience of strategic financial management, including operational budgeting, financial reporting, and securing external funding.
- Demonstrable success in establishing and maintaining national and international partnerships, collaborations, and research networks.
- A strong record of initiating and delivering research projects, publications, conference presentations, or scholarly contributions within the field of conservation.
- Experience of securing funding and developing and maintaining effective donor/ sponsor relationships.
- Strong organisational, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver medium- and long-term objectives.
- Strong negotiation, influencing, advocacy, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels internally and externally.
- Proven experience preparing reports, business cases, policy documents, funding applications, and public presentations.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- An open and collaborative approach.
- A passion for the arts, research, conservation and collection care.
- Experience of representing an organisation at national and international level.
- A commitment to professional development, diversity and inclusion, and a positive work environment.
This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening, security and Garda vetting procedures.
Eligible candidates must be:
1. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
2. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
3. A citizen of Switzerland, pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
4. A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4 permission or a Stamp 5 permission.
Please note: A 50 TEU permission, which serves as a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is considered equivalent to Stamp 4.
To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.
Grade and Salary: The salary for this position will be in accordance with the Keeper (PPC) pay scale, as per the 1 June 2026 pay adjustments. The salary scale for this position is as follows:
87,510 90,260 93,015 95,761 98,508 101,776 105,493 LSI 1 109,216 LSI 2
- The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, 87,510 per annum, or on a higher point of the scale, as appropriate to the successful candidate, if appointed from an existing public sector role (in accordance with Circular 08/2019).
- Candidates should note the Gallery complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment.
Annual Leave: The successful candidate will be entitled to 30 days of annual leave pro rata
Superannuation: The successful candidate will be placed on the public sector pension scheme.
Benefits: The Gallery provides staff the opportunity to participate in the tax saver and cycle to work schemes.
Duration: Permanent, Full-Time
Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week - 35 hours per week (net of breaks). Please note, flexibility is required and the successful candidate may be required to work occasional late evenings and weekends.
Any personal data that you provide when applying for this position shall be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please submit your application online and upload the following documents in PDF format:
- CV detailing your relevant achievements and experience to date.
- Cover letter outlining why you wish to be considered and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.
Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date will be accepted.
All enquiries relating to the role can be sent through the messaging function within the Rezoomo application system, or alternatively to the HR Team at [email protected]. Canvassing will disqualify.
Panel
Candidates should note that at the end of the candidate assessment process a panel of successful candidates may be formed based on order of merit, from which future positions may be filled.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 12 July 2026
Interviews will be scheduled in July/August 2026.
At the National Gallery of Ireland, we value equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the benefits it can bring to our staff and our visitors interactions. We celebrate difference and want our people to be representative of all communities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
