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- Tasks: Conserve archaeological artefacts and collaborate on exhibitions and collections.
- Company: Join National Museums Scotland, a leading museum group in Europe.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension scheme, 28.5 days leave, and free museum access.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history and share your passion for conservation.
- Qualifications: Degree in conservation and experience with archaeological materials required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36932 - 40123 £ per year.
Full Time Salary: £36,932 - £40,123 (pay award pending)
Hours: 35 hours per week | Monday – Friday
Location: National Museums Collection Centre
National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in Europe with one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world. As an organisation our values are Creative, Inclusive, Collaborative and Forward-thinking.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Artefact Conservator to join our busy and dynamic conservation team, caring for our internationally significant collections of over 12 million items.
Benefits of joining us as our Artefact Conservator include:
- Annually alongside your salary, National Museums Scotland contributes 28.97% of this towards you being a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme
- A generous annual leave of 28.5 days – rising to 33.5 after 5 years, plus an additional 8 paid days public holidays. For part time staff annual leave and public holidays will be pro-rated to reflect your normal working hours
- Free access to national (and international) museums and exhibitions
- A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
- Access to all the above and more from day one of employment.
About the Artefact Conservator role:
You will be an experienced artefact conservator, holding a recognised conservation degree and have a particular interest and expertise in the conservation of archaeological material. You will possess strong planning skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise and risk assess your work programme. You will work, independently and collaboratively, on the examination and treatment of artefacts and will advise on their safe display and storage. You will have strong IT skills to document the condition of objects and related conservation treatments. Your strong communication skills mean you will be able to impart your enthusiasm for conservation to our audiences and assist with the training of student interns and placements.
This post will be divided equally between conservation of the bronze age Peebles Hoard and conservation for the museum’s exhibition, display, loan and collections programmes.
As an Artefact Conservator at National Museums Scotland, you will:
- Apply expert specialist conservation knowledge to National Museums Scotland’s conservation programmes
- Have responsibility for a specialist area of conservation.
- Propose and develop technical solutions to conserve complex artefacts
- Work closely with exhibition, curatorial and other key sectors in the museum, implementing conservation work plans to provide the conservation needed to ensure that deadlines for exhibition, display and care of collections are met.
Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Artefact Conservator:
- First degree in a relevant discipline, or knowledge from relevant experience
- Excellent practical conservator with proven relevant experience.
- Conservator with good understanding of material issues and treatments
- Growing knowledge of professional conservation issues from experience, coupled with general awareness of museum professional issues
Please be sure to view relevant attachments for this role (available on our Careers Portal: careers.nms.ac.uk) for full details of the position. The closing date for this role is 08/02/2026. The Selection Event is likely to take place 26/02/2026.
Artefact Conservator employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Artefact Conservator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow conservators, museum professionals, or even your old classmates. Attend events or workshops related to conservation; you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best conservation projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along and let your work speak for itself.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the museum's collections and current exhibitions. Tailor your answers to show how your expertise can contribute to their specific needs—this will make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Artefact Conservator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Artefact Conservator role. Highlight your relevant experience in conservation, especially with archaeological materials, and show us how your skills align with our values of creativity and collaboration.
Show Your Passion: We love seeing enthusiasm! In your application, share why you’re passionate about artefact conservation and how you can contribute to our mission at National Museums Scotland. Let your personality shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers portal! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums Scotland
✨Know Your Artefacts
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of archaeological materials and conservation techniques. Familiarise yourself with the Peebles Hoard and any recent exhibitions at National Museums Scotland. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that highlight your planning skills and ability to meet tight deadlines. Think about how you’ve successfully managed conservation projects and how you can apply those experiences to the role.
✨Communicate Passionately
Your strong communication skills are key! Be ready to share your enthusiasm for conservation and how you can engage audiences. Consider how you might explain complex conservation concepts to non-experts, as this could be a part of your role.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, prepare to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Think of examples where you’ve worked with curators or other conservators to achieve common goals, and be ready to share how you can contribute to a team dynamic.
