Research Curator Job at Henry Moore Institute in Leeds

Research Curator at Henry Moore Institute, Leeds

The Research Curator is a fixed‑term role responsible for devising and delivering an innovative programme of research and study that positions the Henry Moore Institute as the UK's leading specialist organization for the consideration and presentation of sculpture. Reporting to the Head of Henry Moore Institute, the post-holder will develop a creative approach to research that promotes new ideas, academic rigor, and debate in the study of sculpture, engaging students, academics, and creative professionals. The role requires strong national and international networks, working with colleagues to nurture strategic partnerships and collaborations. The Research Curator will lead the Institute's scholarly programme — including public talks, events, conferences, fellowships, and collaborative research activities — while managing a small research team and delivering talks and presentations to a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Position Type: Full‑time (35 hours/week), with a 28 hour/four‑day week option considered on a pro rata salary if requested in writing
• Contract Type: Fixed term, up to 12 months, ending no later than 30 September 2027
• Reports To: Head of Henry Moore Institute
• Department / Programme: Henry Moore Institute research programme
• Working Hours: 35 hours/week; out‑of‑hours attendance at programme‑related events frequently required, with time off in lieu available
• Probationary Period: 4 months
• Programme and research activity: Support the Head of Henry Moore Institute in the development and delivery of the Institute's scholarly programme and research activity
• Programme and research activity: Devise and deliver a public programme of scholarly research activities that supports and complements the exhibitions programme and enriches the Foundation's artistic and academic ambitions
• Programme and research activity: Develop and manage talks, events, conferences, seminars, study days, research projects and other research‑led activities
• Programme and research activity: Create opportunities for exchange between artists, academics, researchers, students and public audiences
• Programme and research activity: Work closely with colleagues across exhibitions, collections, library and archive, learning, digital and communications to ensure research activity is integrated across the Institute's programme
• Fellowships and partnerships: Deliver the Institute's research fellowship programme, including overseeing coordination, communication, support for fellows and integration with the wider programme
• Fellowships and partnerships: Identify, develop and maintain relationships with academic and research partners in Yorkshire, nationally and internationally
• Fellowships and partnerships: Support collaborative projects that extend and advance the study of sculpture
• Fellowships and partnerships: Maintain academic networks and represent the Henry Moore Foundation in relevant professional, scholarly and sector contexts
• Communications, fundraising and evaluation: Contribute copy and research content for marketing, social media, print and web platforms, including web‑based research materials
• Communications, fundraising and evaluation: Input into fundraising strategy for the wider programme and help prepare content for funding applications, specifically identifying and pursuing funds for research programme activities
• Communications, fundraising and evaluation: Contribute to the review and evaluation of research activity, including audience engagement and programme impact
• Management and administration: Manage budgets allocated by the Head of Henry Moore Institute
• Management and administration: Contribute to written reports for Trustee Board meetings and Committee meetings as required
• Management and administration: Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required
• Line‑management: The Research Curator will line‑manage a Research Coordinator (28 hours/week), an AV Technical Coordinator (28 hours/week) and a Postdoctoral Researcher (28 hours/week)

Qualifications

• A postgraduate degree in art, visual culture, museum studies or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, with a demonstrable interest in sculpture
• Experience working in an academic, research, museum, gallery or cultural institution context
• Experience of devising and delivering public events, conferences, seminars or research‑led programmes
• Ability to engage confidently with scholarly research and academic discourse
• Knowledge of sculpture across different periods, practices, materials or cultural contexts
• Experience of managing people, freelancers or project teams
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and writing for specialist and non‑specialist audiences
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, external partners and professionals
• Ability to understand the needs of different audiences and develop programmes that connect with them
• Diplomatic, highly organised, with strong project management skills and attention to detail
• A pragmatic problem‑solver who remains calm under pressure
• Proven ability to manage budgets and other resources
• Knowledge of effective review and evaluation processes
• Competent and confident in using Microsoft Office
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends
• Preferred but not mandatory: experience of working with collections, archives or libraries
• Preferred but not mandatory: experience of developing academic partnerships or collaborative research projects
• Preferred but not mandatory: experience of contributing to funding applications
• Preferred but not mandatory: existing national or international networks in the academic, museum or cultural sectors
• Ideal candidate: at least two years' experience in scholarly research and management of public programmes in an academic or cultural institution
• Must be eligible to work in the UK (passport and proof of address or other evidence required)
• Must pass a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before permanent employment is confirmed

Benefits

• Pension: 3% employer's contribution via the Foundation's Nest Pension Scheme (employee required to contribute 5%; opt‑out available)
• Additional Leave: Up to 3 additional discretionary days between Christmas and New Year when offices are closed
• Lieu Time: Time off in lieu may be requested for out‑of‑hours event attendance
• Sick Pay: Company sick pay (includes SSP) upon completion of 6 months' service
• Income Protection: Insurance covering inability to work beyond duration of company sick pay, subject to terms and insurer acceptance
• Family Leave: Enhanced benefits for maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Compassionate Leave: Paid leave in the event of death of a direct family member; unpaid time off for family emergencies
• Eyesight Test Vouchers: Free eyesight test for DSE (Display Screen Equipment) users
• Interest‑Free Loan: Up to £1,000 to assist with purchase of annual travel tickets, a car, or a bicycle
• Staff Discount: 20% discount in the HMF book/gift shops
• Flexible Working: 28 hour/four‑day week option considered on a pro‑rata salary; proportion of homeworking may be considered subject to the Hybrid Homeworking Policy, if appropriate for the role
• Professional Development: Performance goals agreed with continual development support for career goals
• Location Benefit: Vibrant city centre location a short walk from shops, coffee bars and other amenities

Location

Henry Moore Institute, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH, United Kingdom