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Develop degradation models for documentary heritage by integrating material-level micro-environmental dynamics, the effects of text and pictorial layers, and monitoring data from natural ageing. You'll characterise historical materials, build non-destructive monitoring methods, and couple moisture transport with degradation kinetics — with case studies across Europe.

For candidates with a Master's in materials science, chemistry, physics, biology, heritage science, or related — strong interest in AI/ML for heritage datasets welcome.

Build a multiscale hygrothermal framework simulating coupled heat and moisture transport from the repository down to the object — quantifying the passive buffering capacity of objects and storage systems as a mechanism for energy-efficient, climate-conscious preservation. Validate simulations against real-world monitoring data.

For candidates with a Master's in building physics, architectural or civil engineering, heritage science, or related — experience with COMSOL, WUFI, or EnergyPlus is a plus.

The five-year ERC Starting Grant project officially launches at the Institute of Conservation, University of Applied Arts Vienna, led by Dr. Yun Liu. Over the coming months the team will grow, laboratory work will start, and the first international case-study partnerships will be announced.