Collections Researcher in Bath

Collections Researcher in Bath

Bath Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead research to uncover Global Majority fashion stories and build community partnerships.
  • Company: Join Bath & North East Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives through culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting project transforming the Fashion Museum and its narratives.
  • Qualifications: Experience in research or fashion, with a passion for Global Majority histories.
  • Other info: Hybrid work environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives.

About The Fashion Museum Bath

Fashion Museum Bath holds one of the world’s leading collections of fashion, spanning 400 years of human creativity, from 1600 to the present day. It is an exciting time for the Fashion Museum as we undertake a major capital project to open a new Fashion Museum (relocated from the old site). Opening in 2030 the new Museum will transform access to the Collection, with dynamic exhibitions, displays and programming. Fashion Museum Bath has received funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund to undertake a research project to uncover, highlight and reposition narratives around Global Majority makers, designers, and wearers. This role is directly related to this project.

Our Key Aims Are To:

  • Uncover more Global Majority Stories within the collection
  • Co-develop future priorities and initiatives for research, collection and co-curating with communities
  • Strengthen relationships with community partner organisations

About The Role

We are looking to appoint a Collections Researcher to lead this project. Despite the breadth of the collection very little is known about the Global Majority stories held within it. The post holder will lead research into the collection to uncover stories held within. Given the expansive scope of this enquiry, and of our collection, we have kept the project brief quite open and will work with you to refine the focus, based on your own expertise and practice. Potential areas of investigation could include:

  • Designers and makers
  • Materials and their provenance
  • Design aesthetics and stylistic influences
  • Known wearers
  • Donors and sellers who contributed to the collection

Your own practice whether object-based, archival, artistic, or community-based will inform the methodology and area of focus within the collection. We’ll work with you to ensure this also considers the need for a set quantity of research, the community impact of the work, and its ability to shape the museum’s narrative. The researcher will work collaboratively with local and national partners and organisations to co-develop research priorities, shape interpretation, and inform future programming and priorities, including acquisitions. The work will be flexible and iterative, responding to the nature of research and allowing space for co-working and community-focused inquiry. Activities will include in-depth focused research, community engagement sessions, partnership-building, and internal knowledge-sharing.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced researcher/ curator/ fashion practitioner with an interest and drive for uncovering and spotlighting Global Majority fashion histories within and outside public archives and sharing them with others in varied and accessible ways. You will have:

Essential

  • Significant experience and expertise in an area of research or practice related to Global majority fashions
  • Experience identifying and building partnerships and networks
  • Experience communicating your research, through talks and publications
  • Experience of object-based research

Desirable

  • Experience (or desire to learn) more about Museum record-keeping and collections management, including use of a Collections Management system
  • Experience of (or desire to learn) Museum’s acquisition process
  • Experience curating exhibitions and displays
  • Experience of budget management

Location and Work-pattern

Your work will be hybrid, split between the collections store in Warminster, our office in Bath, and home-working. The role is recruited as a 1-year full-time post, but we are happy to discuss a part-time post (3 or 4 days per week) over a longer period of time. This post is part of a project funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Communities & Collections Fund.

We particularly encourage applicants from Global Majority backgrounds, as we recognise they are under-represented in the cultural sector.

Interview date Tuesday 14th April 2026 (in Bath or online).

Additional Information

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

About Bath And North East Somerset Council

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need.

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Disability Check: Please note that this role is subject to a Basic DBS Check.

Contact: Elisabeth Murray, Senior Curator on 01225 477833 or email.

Collections Researcher in Bath employer: BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL

Bath & North East Somerset Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to improving the lives of its community while fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As a Collections Researcher at the Fashion Museum Bath, you will have the unique opportunity to lead impactful research that uncovers Global Majority fashion histories, all within a supportive environment that values work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements. With a commitment to employee growth and collaboration with local partners, this role not only contributes to meaningful cultural narratives but also enhances your professional development in a vibrant and historic location.
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Contact Detail:

BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Collections Researcher in Bath

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fashion and museum sectors, especially those involved with Global Majority narratives. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for uncovering Global Majority stories. Talk about your previous research experiences and how they relate to the role – it’ll make you stand out!

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! If you see a project or initiative that excites you, reach out to the organisation directly. Express your interest and ask if there are any upcoming opportunities. This shows initiative and can put you on their radar before a position even opens up.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest roles listed there, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and follow up if needed. Don’t miss out on your dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Collections Researcher in Bath

Research Skills
Partnership Building
Community Engagement
Object-Based Research
Communication Skills
Curatorial Skills
Exhibition Curation
Collections Management
Knowledge Sharing
Budget Management
Interest in Global Majority Fashion Histories
Flexibility and Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the Collections Researcher role. We want to see how your background in Global Majority fashion histories can contribute to our mission at the Fashion Museum.

Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for uncovering Global Majority stories shine through in your written application. Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to this important area of research.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to follow and highlights your key achievements without unnecessary fluff.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.

How to prepare for a job interview at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL

✨Know Your Collection

Before the interview, dive deep into the Fashion Museum's collection. Familiarise yourself with key pieces, especially those related to Global Majority makers and designers. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your research can uncover and highlight these narratives.

✨Showcase Your Research Skills

Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've identified and built partnerships in the past. Highlight any object-based research you've conducted, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.

✨Engage with Community Focus

Since community engagement is a big part of this role, think about how you can involve local groups in your research. Come up with ideas on how to co-develop initiatives with community partners and be prepared to discuss these during the interview.

✨Communicate Clearly

Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Whether it's discussing your research findings or your vision for the project, clear communication is key. Consider preparing a short presentation or summary of your ideas to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.

Collections Researcher in Bath
BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
Location: Bath

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