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- Tasks: Join our conservation team to care for over 12 million artefacts and contribute to exhibitions.
- Company: National Museums Scotland, a leading museum group with diverse collections.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, free museum access, and wellbeing support from day one.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in preserving history while working in a creative and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in conservation or relevant experience, with practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
- Other info: Part-time role with excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic setting.
The predicted salary is between 19157 - 20729 £ per year.
Part time | 21 hours per week
Full Time Salary: £31,929 – £34,549 (pay award pending) Actual Salary (Pro-rata): £19,157.40 - £20,729.40
Hours: 21 hours per week | 3 days across 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 Assistant Artefact Conservator (part-time 0.6 FTE) 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 Assistant 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 Assistant Artefact Conservator role:
The artefact conservation team works across several disciplines including archaeology, decorative arts, sculpture, ethnographic, military and Scottish history collections. You will bring your conservation knowledge to our exhibitions, displays, loans and collections programmes. You will have a recognised conservation degree and be able to work, independently and collaboratively, on the examination and treatment of artefacts, and advise on their safe display and storage. Responsibilities include documenting the condition and treatments of objects, so good IT skills are required.
You will be a team player, who is able to work to tight deadlines and effectively plan, prioritise and risk assess your work programme. You will also have an enthusiasm for conservation and be able to communicate this to our audiences.
As an Assistant Artefact Conservator at National Museums Scotland you will:
- Apply specialist conservation knowledge to National Museums Scotland’s conservation programmes
- Carry out practical conservation on artefacts of a wide range of material, period and provenance.
- Work closely with exhibition, curatorial and other key sectors in the museum, normally under guidance, to provide the conservation necessary to ensure that deadlines for exhibition, display and care of collections are met.
Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Assistant Artefact Conservator:
- First degree in a relevant discipline, or knowledge from relevant experience
- Able practical conservator with proven relevant experience
- Good theoretical understanding of material issues and treatments
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 19/02/2026.
Assistant Artefacts Conservator employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Artefacts Conservator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the conservation field through LinkedIn or local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable connections can be when it comes to landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the museum's collections and recent exhibitions. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how your skills as an Assistant Artefact Conservator can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex conservation concepts clearly, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors. We want to see you shine!
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Artefacts Conservator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for conservation shine through! Share specific examples of your experience and how it aligns with our values at National Museums Scotland. We want to see your genuine interest in caring for artefacts.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Artefact Conservator role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums Scotland
✨Know Your Artefacts
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of different artefact types and conservation techniques. Familiarise yourself with National Museums Scotland's collections and recent exhibitions. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully conserved artefacts. Highlight your practical skills and any relevant projects that demonstrate your ability to work under tight deadlines and collaborate with teams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about material issues and treatment methods. Review common conservation challenges and be prepared to discuss how you would approach them. This will showcase your theoretical understanding and problem-solving abilities.
✨Communicate Your Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for conservation and how it connects to the museum's mission. Share why you want to work at National Museums Scotland and how you can contribute to their goals. A positive attitude can make a lasting impression!
