At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and document the Greece and Rome collections, supporting recovery efforts and digitisation.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a world-renowned institution blending history, culture, and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, exceptional pension, cultural perks, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong research skills and experience with archives or collection records required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Bloomsbury, London
Role Summary: Full-time 41 hours per week Hybrid (at least 3 days per week on-site) 6 month fixed-term contract (possibility to extend) £36,396 per annum Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 4th March 2026
About the role: Join the British Museum’s Greece and Rome department in a focused, high-impact curatorial role. As Project Curator for Documentation and Recovery, you’ll research the history and documentation of the collection, support ongoing efforts to recover missing or stolen items, and contribute to a major documentation and digitisation programme. Your work will help shape the Museum’s understanding of historic losses and strengthen the care, accuracy and visibility of the collection.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Conduct archival research to assess the scale and nature of losses and damage in the Greece and Rome collections.
- Support documentation and digitisation, including registering unregistered or recovered items and updating records.
- Publish and share findings from the recovery programme, contributing to the Museum’s understanding of historic losses.
- Support conservation and restoration work on damaged items, and promote the importance of collection documentation.
- Contribute to wider departmental collaboration, sharing lessons learned and supporting cross-team processes.
About you: We’re looking for someone with strong research skills, experience working with archives or collection records, and an understanding of how collection-based organisations operate. You’ll be highly organised, able to handle sensitive information confidentially, and comfortable balancing different project demands. You communicate clearly, work well both independently and collaboratively, and can manage your time effectively in a fast-moving environment.
Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
Financial Support: Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
Everyday Extras: Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
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. These are: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Value Many Voices.
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.
*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Project Curator: Documentation and Recovery employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Curator: Documentation and Recovery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum and cultural sectors, especially those who work in documentation and recovery. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research skills! Prepare a mini-project or presentation about a relevant topic in documentation or recovery. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also shows your passion for the role. We love seeing candidates go the extra mile!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your organisational skills. Think of examples where you've successfully managed multiple projects or handled sensitive information. We want to see how you thrive in a fast-paced environment, so come prepared with stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who align with our values, so don’t hesitate to showcase your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Curator: Documentation and Recovery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your research skills and experience with archives. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Project Curator, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role involves managing sensitive information and balancing multiple projects, it’s crucial to demonstrate your organisational prowess. Share examples of how you’ve successfully juggled tasks in previous roles or projects.
Communicate Clearly: We value clear communication, so make sure your application reflects that. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will not only help us understand your qualifications but also give us a glimpse of how you might communicate in the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Collections
Before the interview, dive deep into the Greece and Rome collections. Familiarise yourself with key items, their histories, and any recent news related to them. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare examples of past research projects or archival work you've done. Be ready to discuss how you approached these tasks, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This will highlight your strong research skills and ability to handle sensitive information.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various teams, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated in the past. Share specific examples that illustrate your ability to communicate clearly and work well both independently and as part of a team.
✨Understand the Museum's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Museum's values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, and Value Many Voices. Be prepared to discuss how these resonate with you and how you can embody them in your work as a Project Curator.