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- Tasks: Lead research strategy and inspire innovation at the British Museum.
- Company: Join the iconic British Museum and shape its future.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free exhibition access, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on research in a world-renowned institution.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in research with strong funding and strategic skills.
- 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.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Visionary Head of Research & Strategy in London employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visionary Head of Research & Strategy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the museum and research sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential collaborators. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the British Museum or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for research and museums shine through. Share your vision for the future of research in the sector and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would tackle challenges in the museum sector, especially around funding and collaboration. Practise your responses so you can confidently demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the Museum’s values, which can help you tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Visionary Head of Research & Strategy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Vision: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your visionary ideas for research and strategy. We want to see how you can shape the Museum’s intellectual agenda and bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Tailor Your Experience: Don’t just list your past roles; connect them to the responsibilities of this position. We’re looking for evidence of your leadership in research and funding, so make it clear how your experience aligns with what we need.
Reflect Our Values: Familiarise yourself with our core values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, and Value Many Voices. We want to see how these resonate in your work and experiences, so weave them into your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the British Museum!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the British Museum's current research projects and strategies. Familiarise yourself with their recent exhibitions and how they align with the Museum's vision. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience can enhance their research agenda.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership approach clearly. Think of specific examples where you've motivated teams or led significant projects. The British Museum is looking for someone who can inspire and manage effectively, so be ready to share how you've successfully navigated challenges in a research-focused environment.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your vision for the Museum’s research strategy. Think about how you would catalyse high-quality research and secure funding. Presenting a clear, strategic plan during the interview will highlight your capability to lead at a high level and contribute to the Museum's long-term goals.
✨Embrace Their Values
The British Museum values care, embracing the unknown, and valuing many voices. Reflect on how these values resonate with your own experiences. Prepare examples that demonstrate how you've embodied these principles in your work, as this will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the Museum's culture.