Project Curator: Contemporary & Modern Middle Eastern Art
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 months; Working Pattern: Full Time; Hybrid Working: No; Location: Bloomsbury, London; Salary: £36,396 per annum; Application Deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The British Museum is seeking a Project Curator to join the Middle East Department. Working as part of the Museum’s Digitisation and Documentation programme, you will play a key role in documenting, researching and digitising collections relating to the Contemporary & Modern Middle Eastern Art collections.
Working closely with curatorial colleagues, collections managers and imaging specialists, you will help improve access to the Museum’s collections by ensuring collection records are accurate, accessible and meet professional documentation standards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major strategic programme supporting the Museum Masterplan and the long-term preservation and accessibility of internationally significant collections.
You will be a proactive and detail‑oriented museum or heritage professional with experience working with collections and collection management systems. You will have a degree in Contemporary & Modern Middle Eastern Arts, Digital Humanities or a related discipline with experience of working with art works on paper.
You will bring a meticulous approach to research and cataloguing, a commitment to improving access to collections, and the ability to maintain accuracy and consistency while working on a large‑scale digitisation project.
Key areas of responsibility
- Document, research and digitise the Museum’s Contemporary & Modern Middle Eastern Art collections.
- Work collaboratively with Imaging Assistants, Assistant Collections Managers and curatorial colleagues to catalogue collection material and improve the quality and accessibility of collection records.
- Consult object registers, archives and historical documentation to support research, registration and digitisation activity.
- Ensure that documentation outputs and publicly accessible collection information are accurate, consistent and fit for purpose.
- Manage priorities effectively to deliver project objectives, monitor progress against targets and contribute to the successful delivery of the Museum’s wider digitisation programme.
The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane – who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Benefits
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme defined benefit with 28.97% employer contribution.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
- Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.
The Masterplan
The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane – who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Values
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Additional information
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
Right to Work
The British Museum holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. Applicants are responsible for determining whether the advertised salary and role meet current UKVI sponsorship requirements and for ensuring they have, or can obtain, the appropriate right to work in the UK. The Museum cannot provide immigration advice, and eligibility should be checked before submitting an application.
Internal Applicants
We welcome internal applicants regardless of background, department or length of service but encourage you to let your manager know before applying. If you are on a permanent contract and want the fixed‑term contract to be treated as a secondment, you will need to obtain your manager’s support before submitting an application.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre‑employment screening of Civil Servants.
Project Curator: Contemporary & Modern Middle Eastern Art employer: British Museum
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bloomsbury, London. With a strong commitment to employee development and a hybrid working model, staff enjoy a collaborative culture that fosters innovation and excellence in facilities management. Joining our team means being part of a prestigious institution that values your contributions and provides opportunities for meaningful career growth.
