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- Tasks: Preserve and share our stunning painting collection with audiences worldwide.
- Company: Join the National Galleries of Scotland's dynamic Conservation Department.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on art conservation and engage diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised qualification in paintings conservation and relevant experience.
- Other info: Be part of an ambitious international touring programme until March 2030.
The predicted salary is between 37614 - 41138 £ per year.
Full-time and Fixed Term to 31 March 2030
Salary £37,614 - £41,138 per annum
Plus generous benefits package
On site with flexible working
About the role
We are delighted to announce a new opportunity for an experienced Paintings Conservator to join our Conservation Department at the National Galleries of Scotland. We are seeking a skilled and collaborative Conservator to help us share our collection with audiences around the world. To succeed in this post, you’ll bring resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and excellent interpersonal skills along with a strong professional network. You will have evidence-based skills as Painting Conservator, and you will be confident in assessing and treating a wide range of materials and formats.
Our extensive painting collection is often on the move. You’ll be at the heart sharing this collection with the widest possible audience ensuring that works from our rich and varied painting collection travel safely, sustainably and look their very best when on display. Your work will play a vital role in delivering our wider strategy, supporting our Public Offer, equalities, and environmental priorities. You’ll help preserve the collection while enabling us to deliver a generous lending programme from our diverse collections, also an ambitious number of exhibitions across our galleries. Through research and outreach, you will deepen knowledge of the collection and help attract new audiences to engage with it. This is more than just a conservation role. It is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the way we care for, understand and share our collection.
About the Touring Programme
National Galleries of Scotland is launching an ambitious international touring programme contributing to our aim to make art work for everyone. This new initiative builds on past touring success and increases opportunities for the collection to be shared with audiences across the world. The touring programme is also part of our strategy to grow our income to ensure our future financial sustainability. Work has already begun and we are now recruiting a number of posts from May 2026 to support taking the touring programme forward. The programme will run initially to 31 March 2030. The success of the initiative will determine next steps for both the programme and the team supporting it. You will help to deliver this ambitious new initiative. This is an excellent opportunity for a results-driven individual to demonstrate their impact and contribute to shaping the success of the programme.
Who we are looking for
To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:
- A recognised qualification in paintings conservation with at least two years’ experience post-graduation, ideally within the museums sector.
- Experience of assessing and preparing works for loan and implementing solutions for safe transport and public access.
- A track record of delivering a range of painting conservation projects with the ability to carry out research and devise innovative solutions to new challenges.
- Excellent time-management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and deliver under pressure.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, accurate and well-structured documentation.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team, and the confidence to take on a leading role when required.
- Strong connections within the painting conservation sector, and commitment to continuous professional development.
- Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety regulations.
- Excellent IT skills, including MS Office and image processing software.
- Experience of using a collections management database.
- Professional accreditation through the Institute of Conservation (ICON) PACR scheme, or a clear commitment to work towards this.
It would also be great if you have experience of:
- Factoring equalities and environmental sustainability into your work.
- Writing for publications and social media.
- Supervising placement students and volunteers.
The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Monday, 06 April 2026.
Paintings Conservator Touring Exhibitions employer: National Galleries of Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Galleries of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Paintings Conservator Touring Exhibitions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the conservation field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or workshops to meet new people and expand your professional circle.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best conservation projects and any innovative solutions you've implemented. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its touring programme. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and audience engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Paintings Conservator Touring Exhibitions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for paintings conservation shine through! We want to see how much you care about sharing art with the world and how your skills can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in the museums sector. We’re looking for specific examples of your work with painting conservation projects, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised document that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Galleries of Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of paintings conservation and the specific techniques you've used in past projects. Be ready to discuss your experience with assessing and preparing works for loan, as well as any innovative solutions you've implemented.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about sharing art with the world, so let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you love conservation and how you see your work making a difference in engaging new audiences with the collection.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in past roles, especially in high-pressure situations where time management was key.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You might want to ask about their upcoming exhibitions or how they incorporate sustainability into their touring programme.