PhD Studentship: Exploring the Occurrence and Implications of VOCs Emitted from Modern & Contemporary Art in Storage University College London in United Kingdom

This PhD studentship, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Collaborative Doctoral Partnership scheme, offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the occurrence and implications of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted from modern and contemporary art in storage. Hosted at University College London’s Institute for Sustainable Heritage (ISH) in collaboration with Tate, London, the project addresses a critical issue in the conservation and collection care of modern and contemporary artworks, which now comprise over 90% of Tate’s acquisitions.

The research will focus on identifying and quantifying VOCs emitted from a selection of case study works in Tate’s sculpture and installation art collection. Using resources and expertise at both Tate and UCL-ISH, the student will characterize materials, smells, and VOCs within storage contexts, develop risk profiles for higher-risk VOCs, and translate findings into practical guidance for improved collection care. The project aims to contribute directly to preservation objectives for Tate and other global collections, including mitigation strategies such as changes to storage housing and the use of VOC-absorbing materials.

Funding includes tuition fees up to the UKRI full-time home rate (£5,238 for 2026/27), a minimum stipend of £21,805 per year plus £2,000 London weighting and £600 maintenance payment, a research/travel allowance of up to £750 per year for four years from the AHRC CDP award, and £1300 per year from Tate for research-related expenses. The studentship is funded for 48 months (4 years) full-time or up to 8 years part-time, with the possibility of covering UCL international fees pending approval.

Applicants must have or expect to receive a Masters-level qualification in a relevant subject such as conservation science, archaeology, chemistry, or conservation. Alternatively, significant relevant professional experience (e.g., 3+ years in conservation science or analytical chemistry) alongside a relevant undergraduate degree is accepted. Essential skills include the ability to develop research questions, design experiments, manage and assess research data, and communicate scientific results clearly. Experience with laboratory equipment and understanding of polymer chemistry are desirable. All applicants must meet UCL’s minimum English language requirements (Level 2).

The application process involves submitting a CV by email to [email protected], mentioning the studentship title, and completing the Sustainability, conservation, and collection care - Studentship Pre-Application Form. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. The deadline for applications is Thursday, 7 May 2026 at 11:59pm UK time. The studentship is open to both Home UK and Overseas applicants.

For further information about the project, contact Dr Katherine Curran ([email protected]) or Dr Bronwyn Ormsby ([email protected]). More details about the department and Tate can be found via the project link.