At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on Ancient and Classical collections, engaging communities and shaping public programming.
- Company: Chatsworth House Trust, a historic estate in the Peak District with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive fee, travel budget, research materials, mentorship, and opportunities for profile-building.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Reimagine object-focused scholarship and make a real impact in a vibrant cultural setting.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree and experience in object-based research; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40800 - 48000 £ per year.
Piloting a new model for research with a focus on the Ancient and Classical holdings within the collection.
Supported by a generous grant from Art Fund, Chatsworth House Trust is seeking an exceptional early or mid-career researcher to undertake the inaugural Devonshire Research Fellowship, a ground-breaking role that will reimagine the potential of object-focused scholarship within a historic house context. Located within the Peak District National Park, Chatsworth comprises a Grade I listed house and stables, a 105-acre garden, a 1,822-acre park and a farmyard and adventure playground. Chatsworth House Trust was established in 1981 to look after the house, extensive collections, garden, woodlands, and park for the benefit of everyone. Every penny of visitor admission income, Gift Aid, membership, sponsorship and donations is reinvested into the charity. Chatsworth plays an important role in the local community as a thriving cultural and educational destination, a nationally important historic landscape, and a working estate that operates with a mindful approach to the environment and sustainability.
This 18-month fellowship will investigate the provenance and journeys of objects relating to Ancient and Classical Civilisations within the Devonshire Collections. The Fellow will develop object biographies, trace histories of acquisition and circulation, and contextualise objects through their socio-political, material, and cultural histories. As a pilot for a new Fellowship programme, this role places equal value on scholarly rigour and public impact. You will co-create research with communities, embed lived-experience perspectives, and work closely with cross-departmental teams to shape outputs that will inform interpretation, programming, and a major forthcoming exhibition in 2029. This is a fixed-term Fellowship for a period of 18 months with hybrid working options available, on a freelance/consultant basis. We are open to exploring models of working which reduce financial and geographical barriers to participation, e.g. offering a flexible residency model and remote research opportunities.
We are seeking a researcher to lead object-based and provenance research, engage diverse communities, and contribute to public programming within a historic collection. It is essential that you have the following:
- Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. art history, archaeology, history, museum studies).
- Proven experience in object-based and provenance research, with strong understanding of ethical and international standards.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse communities and co-create knowledge.
- Excellent written and verbal communication for academic, public, and community audiences.
- Independent, flexible working style suited to a historic, public-facing heritage environment.
It’s a bonus if you also have:
- Experience producing research outputs with both scholarly and public value.
- Familiarity with historic house or non-accredited collections.
- Understanding of complex histories, including colonial contexts, restitution or heritage ethics.
- Existing networks in provenance research, Classical/Ancient studies, or community-engaged scholarship.
In return:
- £48,000 fee (freelance, inclusive of all taxes)
- Up to £3,000 for travel and accommodation costs
- £2,000 research/materials budget
- £6,000 budget for community engagement activities
- Access to desk space, IT support, and the Collections team at Chatsworth
- Mentorship Opportunities for national and international profile-building.
Research undertaken through the Devonshire Fellowship will be carried out in partnership with Chatsworth House Trust and in accordance with Art Fund’s principles of open, ethical and collaborative research. Intellectual property in research outputs will normally be held by Chatsworth House Trust reflecting its responsibility for the care, stewardship and interpretation of the Devonshire Collections. Fellows will be fully credited for their research and supported to disseminate their work through publications, presentations and public engagement. The Trust encourages scholarly publication and knowledge sharing, subject to appropriate acknowledgment, collections care requirements, and any necessary approvals relating to confidentiality or sensitivity.
Interviews will take place week commencing 13th April 2026.
Devonshire Collections Research Fellow (18-months) in Bakewell employer: CHATSWORTH HOUSE TRUST
Chatsworth House Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research within a historic house context located in the stunning Peak District National Park. With a strong commitment to community engagement and sustainability, the Trust fosters a collaborative work culture that values scholarly rigour and public impact, providing generous support for research activities, mentorship opportunities, and a flexible working environment that encourages professional growth and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Devonshire Collections Research Fellow (18-months) in Bakewell
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We think you need these skills to ace Devonshire Collections Research Fellow (18-months) in Bakewell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at CHATSWORTH HOUSE TRUST. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
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Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at CHATSWORTH HOUSE TRUST. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHATSWORTH HOUSE TRUST
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
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In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at CHATSWORTH HOUSE TRUST to drive research projects forward.
