Project Curator – UK Palaeolithic Project in Oxford

Project Curator – UK Palaeolithic Project in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Curate and catalogue significant Palaeolithic stone tool collections while engaging in public programming.
  • Company: Join the prestigious Ashmolean Museum and contribute to world-class archaeological research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, a great pension scheme, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on archaeology and share knowledge with students and the public.
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in Archaeology and experience with lithic artefacts required.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a diverse, inclusive workplace.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

About the role

The stone tool collections held by the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum are vast, comprehensive and of considerable research value – put together they are one of the most significant lithics collections in the UK. This project will focus on the British Palaeolithic – this is the greatest strength of the lithic collections and also sits well with the amazing Pleistocene faunal collections in the Museum of Natural History.

The Project Curator will be responsible for cataloguing and photographing the entire collection and 3D scanning key items. Catalogue data will be held in the internal Collections Management Systems (Axiell EMu; MuseumPlus) and will be made accessible worldwide through the individual Collections Online sites as well as through a web presence on the University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums site. They will also spend some time developing and delivering teaching sessions for students, learning resources for schools, pop-up exhibitions, public programming, and volunteer opportunities.

This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 36 months. The post could be fully on-site or hybrid (up to two days a week working from home). Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

About You

The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree with a substantial Archaeology component and experience of identifying and classifying prehistoric lithic artefacts. They will also have a track record of collections-focused museum work, including photographing museum objects and using collections management systems (CMSs) such as Axiell EMu or MuseumPlus. Experience of using a structured light scanner to make 3D scans would be desirable but is not essential.

What We Offer

  • An excellent contributory pension scheme
  • 38 days of annual leave
  • A comprehensive range of childcare services
  • Family leave schemes
  • Cycle loan scheme
  • Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

Project Curator – UK Palaeolithic Project in Oxford employer: Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford

The Ashmolean Museum, along with the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum, offers a unique opportunity for the Project Curator to engage with one of the UK's most significant lithics collections. With a strong commitment to employee development, a diverse and inclusive work culture, and generous benefits including 38 days of annual leave and a contributory pension scheme, this role not only promises meaningful work but also supports a healthy work-life balance in a vibrant academic environment.
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Contact Detail:

Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Curator – UK Palaeolithic Project in Oxford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the archaeology and museum sectors on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Project Curator role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with lithic artefacts, photography, and any CMSs you've used. We want to see your work, so make it easy for potential employers to appreciate your expertise.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions about your experience with collections management and teaching. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Project Curator – UK Palaeolithic Project in Oxford

Cataloguing
Photography
3D Scanning
Collections Management Systems (Axiell EMu, MuseumPlus)
Archaeological Knowledge
Identification of Prehistoric Lithic Artefacts
Public Programming
Teaching Skills
Resource Development for Education
Exhibition Development
Volunteer Coordination
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with lithic artefacts and collections management systems. We want to see how your background fits the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or skills!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the British Palaeolithic and how your expertise aligns with our project goals. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your enthusiasm!

Showcase Your Technical Skills: If you’ve got experience with 3D scanning or photographing museum objects, make sure to mention it! Even if it’s not essential, we appreciate candidates who can bring extra skills to the table, so don’t hold back.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford

Know Your Collections

Before the interview, dive deep into the stone tool collections of the Ashmolean Museum and others mentioned. Familiarise yourself with their significance in the UK Palaeolithic context. This will not only show your passion but also your understanding of the role's requirements.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with collections management systems like Axiell EMu or MuseumPlus. If you've used a structured light scanner for 3D scanning, share specific examples of your work. Highlighting these skills will demonstrate your readiness for the technical aspects of the job.

Engage with Teaching Experience

Since the role involves developing teaching sessions and learning resources, think of any relevant experiences you have. Be ready to discuss how you’ve engaged audiences in the past, whether through exhibitions or educational programmes. This will illustrate your ability to connect with diverse groups.

Prepare Questions About Diversity Initiatives

The company values diversity and inclusivity, so come prepared with questions about their initiatives. This shows that you align with their culture and are genuinely interested in contributing to a friendly and inclusive environment.

Project Curator – UK Palaeolithic Project in Oxford
Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
Location: Oxford

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