Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to analyse and manage hazardous materials in museum collections.
- Company: Be part of the Science Museum Group, a leader in science and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, health insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a collaborative and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in chemical science and analysis with hazardous materials is essential.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role until December 2025, with hybrid working available.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 38000 £ per year.
Salary: £34,306 per annum
Contractual hours: 35
Basis: Full time
Based at: Science and Innovation Park
Package: Fixed-term until Dec'25
Job category/type: Contract - Full Time, Dept. - Collections, Type - Employee
Are you able to use your knowledge and expertise in chemical science and adapt it to our museum collections? Can you collaborate with colleagues to review ways of working and policies around hazardous materials?
About us
The 545-acre Science and Innovation Park is the home of the Science Museum Group’s (SMG) National Collections Centre (NCC), our hub for collections management and access. As the Conservation and Collections Care team, we are responsible for the physical care of the objects in the Science Museum Group collections which span science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.
About the role
As Collections Scientist, you will be working on a Collections Review project to create a better understanding of the collections we hold through in-depth reviews of selected parts of the collection. The focus for this role will be to support the review team on a review of specific hazards within SMG’s Collection, such as radiation and synthetic dyes. Bringing your knowledge and expertise of chemical science and adapting it to collections, you will research our collections and provide recommendations on the management of these hazardous collections and, where required, advise and feed into the removal of hazardous objects. You will work alongside external consultants and internal colleagues to review our ways of working, including our policies, standard operating procedures, and risk assessments, and ensure our processes are practical and safe, ensuring that any changes are agreed, communicated, and implemented.
About you
Joining us, you will be able to carry out scientific analysis using a range of equipment, questioning and interpreting results, for example, portable XRF, FTIR and Raman, Alphaguard Mini Rad, Smartlon, and Selectra. You will bring experience in updating spectral libraries and have experience working with and researching a range of hazardous materials. You will be an effective communicator with a proven ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders, subject specialists, and external consultants or contractors, as well as collaborate as part of a team.
What we offer
- Meaningful work: We’re a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth: We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance: We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Health & Dental Insurance: Extra peace of mind, from day one. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
- Colleague networks: Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience.
- Enhanced contributory pension: To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans: When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts: Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group’s five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable of continuing to Inspire Futures.
Conservation Scientist employer: Science Museum Group
Contact Detail:
Science Museum Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific hazardous materials mentioned in the job description, such as radiation and synthetic dyes. Understanding these materials will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the conservation and collections care field. Attend relevant workshops or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with scientific analysis equipment like portable XRF and FTIR. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience with these tools will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively collaborated with teams or external consultants in the past. This will highlight your ability to work well within the Conservation and Collections Care team.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Conservation Scientist position. Highlight your relevant experience in chemical science and working with hazardous materials.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job. Emphasise your scientific analysis capabilities, experience with specific equipment, and any previous work with hazardous materials.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for conservation science and your understanding of the role. Mention how your expertise can contribute to the Collections Review project and the safety of museum collections.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external consultants. Provide examples of past collaborations that demonstrate your communication skills and teamwork.
How to prepare for a job interview at Science Museum Group
✨Showcase Your Scientific Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of chemical science and how it applies to museum collections. Highlight any relevant experience with hazardous materials and the scientific analysis techniques you are familiar with, such as portable XRF or FTIR.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with both internal colleagues and external consultants, be ready to provide examples of past collaborations. Discuss how you effectively communicated and worked within a team to achieve common goals.
✨Understand the Role's Focus on Safety
Familiarise yourself with the importance of safety in handling hazardous materials. Be prepared to talk about your experience with risk assessments and how you ensure that processes are practical and safe.
✨Prepare Questions About the Collections Review Project
Show your interest in the specific projects you'll be involved in by preparing thoughtful questions. Ask about the current challenges they face in the Collections Review project and how your role will contribute to overcoming them.
