Job details
Job reference: 2026R000518 Date posted: 14/08/2026 Application closing date: 27/09/2026 Location: Corporate Headquarters, Cultra Salary: £33,542 - £34,231 per annum Package: NICS pension schemeGenerous leave entitlement Contractual hours: 37 Basis: Full time Job category/type: Curatorial Assistant Curator Folk Life National Museums NI is a leading cultural institution and is responsible for ensuring that its significant collection is developed, cared for and accessible to the widest possible audience.
Almost one million people enjoy our four museums each year, and through loans, research, community activity and digital programmes we engage a much wider audience than those who physically visit our museums. This is a particularly exciting time to join National Museums NI. With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are set to embark on an exciting project to transform one of Northern Ireland's longest established and most significant heritage assets the Ulster Folk Museum.
The Reawakening project will see the museum transform into an inspirational multi-layered environmental and heritage resource supporting inclusivity, community cohesion, wellbeing, skills development and new thinking. The Assistant Curator Folk Life will be instrumental in adding capacity to support curatorial research, content development and public engagement with collections.
This role focuses on delivering of the outcomes of Action Plan 1, of our Activity Plan, developed as part of our National Lottery Heritage Fund Delivery Phase Grant application. The Folk Life Collections focus on the ways of life and traditions of the people of Ulster and include material culture representing buildings, domestic life, agriculture, crafts, costume and textiles, and nonmaterial culture including traditional music and oral histories.
The Assistant Curator will work as part of the History team to help conduct in-depth research, contribute to the development of interpretation and exhibition content, facilitate engagement with collections and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure the project's success. This is a full time post, fixed term for 3.5 years. For further information, please see attached the Applicant Information Pack. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register. ADZN1_NI
Assistant Curator Folk Life employer: National Museums Northern Ireland
National Museums NI is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration in the heart of Belfast. With generous leave entitlements, a civil service pension scheme, and flexible working hours, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects like the DiSSCo digitisation programme. The organisation prioritises employee growth through opportunities to engage with a diverse audience and participate in significant national initiatives, making it an inspiring place to work for those passionate about cultural heritage and scientific research.
Contact Details:
National Museums Northern Ireland Recruitment Team
