Technische fotografie & imaging

At the Rijksmuseum, we work every day to find new ways to better understand art. What insights can a painting give us, for example, when we examine it using ultraviolet light, infrared radiation or X-rays? As a Technical Photographer and Imaging, you make visible what cannot be seen with the naked eye. You combine your knowledge of photography with science and technology and contribute to the development of new methods. Through your images, you make a direct contribution to the research, conservation and restoration of our collection.

You work where photography, technology and scientific research come together. Technical photography is about more than capturing an object in a photograph. A curator, conservator or researcher may come to you with a research question. You help determine the best photographic method to achieve the required result. Sometimes you use an existing technique; at other times, the research question calls for a new approach or set-up.

You work with different photographic techniques, including visible light, ultraviolet, infrared, X-rays, 3D scanning and photogrammetry. You explore new possibilities for technical imaging and refine existing processes. You look beyond the final image: you also understand what is happening technically and which choices are needed to achieve the right result. You work with different types of objects, each requiring its own approach. You monitor the quality of the images and make sure that knowledge and results are properly recorded, documented and shared.

Your main responsibilities are:

• develop and apply specialist photographic techniques for research, conservation and restoration;
• record photographic parameters and procedures to ensure reproducibility;
• work with and advise curators, conservators and researchers on the photographic methods, equipment and technical possibilities needed for a particular object;
• capture and stitch high-resolution detailed images, ranging from small and large-format drawings and paintings to three-dimensional objects;
• develop and apply focus stacking, focus bracketing and focus mapping for non-flat surfaces of objects;
• monitor the quality of images, image processing, colour management, data and workflows;
• follow scientific and technical developments and translate them into new applications for our collection.

The Rijksmuseum is for everyone, and belongs to everyone. Within Conservation & Science, we work on the conservation, restoration and scientific research of our collection. From the Atelier Building, we study works of art to better understand how they were made, which materials and techniques were used and how we can preserve them as well as possible. Our research is both practical and scientific. We work with researchers and heritage institutions in the Netherlands and abroad and use advanced research methods and facilities.

You will join the Science department. Different scientific disciplines come together here. You work closely with curators, conservators and researchers, as well as colleagues from Imaging & Registration. This collaboration is an important part of your work. You share methods, images and results and help make knowledge of technical photography more widely available. In turn, you use the photographic knowledge already available within the museum. In this way, we continue to strengthen the connections between technical photography, research and collection photography.

We want to know who you are, what talent you will add to our team and where you would like to develop further. Your contribution to the Rijksmuseum is very important to us.

We are looking for someone who approaches photography with curiosity about technology and science. You want to know not only how to create an image, but also why a particular method works and how it can be improved. You analyse complex questions, identify connections and explore different solutions. You work accurately and pay attention to quality down to the smallest detail. You enjoy learning new techniques and sharing what you learn with colleagues. You work closely with people from different disciplines and can translate their research questions into a suitable photographic approach.

In addition, you have:

• A Master's degree, or a comparable level of professional and intellectual ability, in photography, technology, natural sciences or a related field;
• a solid foundation in photography, combined with technical and scientific knowledge, for example in physics or mathematics;
• knowledge of specialist imaging techniques, such as ultraviolet, infrared and X-ray photography, 3D scanning or photogrammetry;
• knowledge of photographic equipment, image processing, colour management and the technical processes behind high-quality imaging;
• a recognised Radiation Protection Supervisor qualification, or the willingness to obtain this qualification.

As a Technical Photographer and Imaging, you will have the opportunity to work with dedicated specialists both in front of and behind the scenes of a major, internationally oriented museum. We also offer:

• A gross monthly salary of €3,768 to €4,897 (scale 10 of the museum collective labour agreement), based on a 36-hour working week;
• 8% holiday allowance and a 3.4% year-end bonus;
• a 36-hour-per-week contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend it;
• the option to combine working from home and at the museum, in consultation with your team and manager, including a budget to set up your home workspace as you wish;
• reimbursement of public transport costs for journeys of 5 kilometres or more, up to a maximum of €367.50. If you make the entire journey by bicycle or on foot, you will receive €0.21 per kilometre. We also reimburse the cost of using a secure bicycle parking facility at the station;
• after your probationary period, you will receive a Museum Card giving you unlimited access to 450 museums in the Netherlands. At the Rijksmuseum, you are always welcome during opening hours with one guest free of charge;
• the opportunity to take part in various events and sports activities, such as the Rijksrun and our summer and winter celebrations.

Apply now and submit your application before the closing date of 23 October! We warmly encourage everyone who is interested to apply.

Do you need any additional support during the application process? Please let us know, we are happy to help.

The application process is as follows:

Do you have any questions about the role? Katrien Keune will be happy to answer them at k.keune@rijksmuseum.nl.

Please note: if we receive enough applications, we may close the vacancy before the stated closing date. Unfortunately, applications received after the vacancy has closed cannot be considered.

We only consider applications submitted through the Rijksmuseum website. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications sent by email.