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- Tasks: Lead research strategy at the British Museum and inspire a team of researchers.
- Company: Join the iconic British Museum, a leader in global heritage and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free exhibition access, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research in a world-renowned institution and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in research with experience in securing funding and managing projects.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 77816 - 77816 £ per year.
Hybrid (at least 3 days per week on-site in Bloomsbury, London)
Permanent
£77,816 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Friday, 24 April 2026
About the role
The British Museum is looking for a visionary leader to shape the Museum’s intellectual agenda and vision for research as Head of Research. This is a rare opportunity to shape research strategy at an internationally renowned institution with the chance to influence research across the UK museum sector. With a strong track record of world-leading research, you will ensure the Museum has one of the world’s most researched, accessible and visible collections. Working closely with the Trustee’s Collections and Research Committee, and over 100 researchers and curators across all Collection Departments, you will lead the development and delivery of a compelling Research Strategy that enriches understanding of the Museum’s collections, supports major projects, and fuels the next generation of researchers. You will reimagine what it means to be a research-led international museum in the 21st century as the Museum embarks on the biggest redisplay of its permanent galleries in the past 150 years. To achieve this, you will build strong internal and external partnerships at the highest levels, champion research excellence, and secure significant external funding to advance the Museum’s ambitions. If you are looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to make a major contribution to the future of the Museum, we invite you to apply for this role.
Key areas of responsibility
- Ensure the Research Strategy drives a strong and dynamic programme of research that supports and develops the Museum’s intellectual agenda.
- Catalyse high quality research across all areas of the Museum, ensuring all elements of the Museums work is informed by research, especially the Masterplan, new galleries, and exhibitions.
- Guide the development of major research projects and funding bids, focusing on income-generating activities.
- Manage the Deputy Head of Research and other team members and support the development of early career researchers and young researchers embedding a strong research culture across the Museum.
- Represent the Museum internally and externally, cultivating strong stakeholder relationships and partnerships, increasing collaborative research partnerships.
- Contribute to the national and international research landscape through advocacy and strategic insight.
- Lead key relationships with external organisations for the development of the Museum’s research at BM_ARC in Reading.
- Deliver internal and external research reviews and continuously elevating research quality.
- Lead the Museum Research Board and oversee relevant policies.
About you
We’re looking for a strategic, inspiring leader with a clear and sensitive leadership style. You’ll be able to motivate teams, forge successful partnerships, and champion research excellence. You will be comfortable operating at the highest level, balancing multiple priorities, and delivering work of long-term significance for the Museum and its audiences.
What you’ll bring to the Museum:
- Strong reputation in a relevant research field with significant experience developing and implementing strategies within a research-focused environment.
- Proven leader in securing external funding, delivering funded high-profile projects and managing large budgets.
- Understanding of issues facing the museum or heritage sector.
- Strong managerial experience, including motivating teams and leading change.
- Ability to lead, influence and collaborate with stakeholders internally and externally, across academia, government and media.
- Evidence of a strong research and publications record.
At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’ve designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found here, but we’ve outlined some highlights below:
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation‑linked defined benefit.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Value Many Voices
These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.
At the British Museum, we are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process where every applicant has the opportunity to present their genuine strengths and experience in their own voice. While we recognise that AI tools can be helpful when preparing applications, we expect all submissions to accurately reflect everyone’s skills and background, and we may withdraw applications that appear to be generated entirely by AI. During interviews, we want to hear directly from candidates and therefore do not permit the use of AI to generate or support answers, though assistive technologies used as reasonable adjustments are fully welcomed. If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details.
*We may be able to provide visa sponsorship for this role, subject to meeting eligibility requirements. You can find out more about these here.*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Head of Research in London employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the museum and research sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the British Museum’s current projects and their research strategy. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you can drive research excellence at the Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Research: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for research shine through! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to research strategies in the past and how you envision shaping the Museum's intellectual agenda.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key areas of responsibility mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in managing teams and securing funding, as these are crucial for the Head of Research role.
Reflect Our Values: We want to see how you embody our values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, and Value Many Voices. Use your application to demonstrate how you've applied these principles in your previous roles and how they align with your vision for the Museum.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the British Museum.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Research Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the British Museum's current research strategy and any recent projects. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their intellectual agenda.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about examples from your past where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight your ability to motivate others and forge partnerships, as this role requires a strategic leader who can inspire and drive change.
✨Prepare for Funding Discussions
Since securing external funding is crucial for this position, come ready to discuss your experience in this area. Bring specific examples of successful funding bids you've led and how they impacted your previous organisations.
✨Embrace the Museum's Values
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's core values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, and Value Many Voices. During the interview, weave these values into your responses to demonstrate that you resonate with their culture and mission.