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- Tasks: Assist in curating and promoting Asian collections at the National Museum of Scotland.
- Company: Join one of Europe's leading museum groups with a diverse global collection.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts on retailers from day one.
- Why this job: Engage with diverse communities and enhance your knowledge of Asian cultures.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree or experience in art history, anthropology, or similar fields required.
- Other info: Part-time role with hybrid working options; apply by 28/09/2025.
The predicted salary is between 22350 - 24184 £ per year.
Job Description
Assistant Curator Asia: West, South and Southeast Asian Collections | Part time | 24.5 hours
Full Time Salary: £31,929 – £34,549
Actual Salary (Pro-rata): £22,350.30 – £24,184.30
Hours: 24.5 hours per week | Monday – Friday
Location: National Museum of Scotland | Hybrid
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. We are looking for enthusiastic, passionate, honest, service-driven individuals to join our team.
Benefits of joining us as our Assistant Curator Asia: West, South and Southeast Asian Collections will include:
* Annually alongside your salary of £31,929 – £34,549 (pro rata), 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.
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Free access to national (and international) museums and exhibitions
* Exclusive discounts on both local and national High Street and online retailers
* A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
* Flexible working options such as hybrid working, part time working, paid special leave, career breaks and unpaid leave
* Access to all the above and more from day one of employment.
To see more of our benefits please visit out dedicated benefits page on our careers portal.
About the Assistant Curator Asia: West, South and Southeast Asian Collections role:
The position we are recruiting for is situated within the Global Arts, Cultures and Design department, and the selected candidate will be reporting to the Principal Curator in the Asia Section. The job holder will bring with them knowledge of and/or enthusiasm for working with collections of material culture from West, South and Southeast Asia. They will contribute to, enhance and promote the curatorial competence of National Museums Scotland particularly with regard to Asian cultures. Working within a multidisciplinary organisation and with external stakeholders, the job holder will develop specialist knowledge preferably in the Southeast Asian collections. The job holder will contribute to the Asia team’s efforts to engage diverse communities with the collections.
As an Assistant Curator Asia: West, South and Southeast Asian Collections at National Museums Scotland you will:
* Apply expert knowledge of the subject and collections to create and improve National Museums’ documentation programmes
* Assist with programmes of improvement to collections care to meet National Museums’ best practice
* Assist with the supervision of volunteers supporting curatorial work, to ensure their contribution is focused and recognised
* Contribute to the Learning & Engagement activities of National Museums on the development and delivery of projects to reach a wide variety of audiences
* Commit to good health & safety and access practice and ensure familiarity with National Museums’ health & safety and access policies, procedures and guidelines
Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Assistant Curator Asia: West, South and Southeast Asian Collections:
* A relevant first degree, or equivalent experience in art history or anthropology or similar
* Knowledge of, an interest in, or enthusiasm about collections from West, South and Southeast Asia
* Proven experience in paid or unpaid work in museums or a similar environment
* Excellent ICT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Hiring the right person for the right job is everything to us. We want to encourage you to apply if you think this is the role for you.
Please be sure to view our recruitment pack for this role (available on our careers website: careers.nms.ac.uk) for full details of the position that may help with your application.
The closing date for this role is 28/09/2025. The Selection Event is likely to take place week commencing 13/10/2025.
Assistant Curator Asia employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Curator Asia
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the collections at National Museums Scotland, especially those related to West, South, and Southeast Asia. Understanding the specific items and their cultural significance will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the museum sector, particularly those who focus on Asian collections. Attend relevant exhibitions, talks, or workshops to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and discussions in the field of museum curation, especially regarding Asian cultures. This knowledge can help you demonstrate your passion and commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the museum's initiatives related to Asian collections. This shows your genuine interest and can set you apart from other candidates during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Curator Asia
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Curator Asia position. Highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm for collections from West, South, and Southeast Asia.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your knowledge in art history or anthropology, and any relevant museum experience, whether paid or unpaid.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for Asian cultures and collections. Mention specific examples of your previous work or projects that demonstrate your suitability for the role and how you can contribute to the National Museums Scotland.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professional, reflecting your excellent written communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for Asian Cultures
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for West, South, and Southeast Asian collections during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your interest in these cultures, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Curatorial Knowledge
Prepare to discuss your understanding of curatorial practices and how they apply to the role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've contributed to collections care or documentation in previous roles, whether paid or voluntary.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might want to prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to engage diverse audiences.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Organisation's Values
Research National Museums Scotland's values of creativity, inclusivity, collaboration, and forward-thinking. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how you can contribute to their mission as an Assistant Curator.
