At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and catalogue significant Palaeolithic stone tool collections while engaging with the public.
- Company: Join the prestigious Ashmolean Museum and contribute to world-class research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in archaeology and share knowledge through teaching and exhibitions.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in Archaeology and experience with lithic artefacts required.
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 employer: Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the archaeology and museum sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work with lithic artefacts, including any cataloguing or photography you've done. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the museums and their collections. Understand their focus areas and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Curator – UK Palaeolithic Project
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! Tell us why you’re passionate about the British Palaeolithic and how your expertise can contribute to our project. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Tech 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 tech-savvy candidates who can bring innovative ideas to the table.
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 our hands quickly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the stone tool collections and their significance. Understand the British Palaeolithic context and be ready to discuss how your background in Archaeology aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience with collections management systems like Axiell EMu or MuseumPlus. If you have any experience with 3D scanning, even if it's minimal, mention it as it could set you apart.
✨Engage with Teaching Experience
Highlight any previous experience in developing educational resources or delivering teaching sessions. This role involves public programming, so showing your passion for education will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Diversity
Since the organisation values diversity, share your thoughts on how inclusivity can enhance museum experiences. Discuss any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to fostering a welcoming environment.