Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the curation of Renaissance and Early Modern collections at a leading museum.
- Company: Join National Museums Scotland, a top museum group in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, and free access to museums.
- Why this job: Dive into history and make a real impact on cultural heritage.
- Qualifications: Passion for history and experience in museum environments are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 31929 - 34549 £ per year.
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, knowledgeable and reliable individuals to join our curatorial team in the Renaissance and Early Modern History section, in the department of Scottish History and Archaeology.
Benefits of joining us as our Assistant Curator, Renaissance and Early Modern History in Scottish History and Archaeology include:
- National Museums Scotland contributes 28.97% of your salary 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.
- 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 Curator role:
Based at the National Museum of Scotland, you will support the work of the Department of Scottish History and Archaeology, primarily within the Renaissance & Early Modern Section of the Department. This is a fixed term full-time post currently based within the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh. The department’s collections are also stored and displayed at the National Museum Collection Centre, Granton.
The Renaissance & Early Modern section collections are representative of cultural, social, political, military and domestic history in Scotland from c.1450-1750, including decorative arts, jewellery, metalwork, furniture and weaponry, and objects relating to monarchical power, religion, trade and everyday life.
As an Assistant Curator in Renaissance and Early Modern History at National Museums Scotland you will:
- Apply expert knowledge of subjects and collections to create and improve National Museums’ documentation programmes.
- Assist with programmes of improvement to collections care to meet National Museums’ best practice.
- Be responsible for the secure movement and appropriate documentation procedures of the collections, as required.
- Answer public and researcher enquiries and enable access to collections.
Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Assistant Curator:
- Knowledge of, an interest in, or enthusiasm about the Renaissance and early modern history collections at NMS.
- Demonstrable experience in paid or unpaid work in museums or similar environment.
- ICT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, and database entry.
- Experience of dealing with public enquiries, visitors and/or volunteers.
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 18/02/26. The Selection Event is likely to take place week beginning 23/02/26.
Asst Curator Renaissance and Early Modern History employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Asst Curator Renaissance and Early Modern History
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum sector, especially those who work with Renaissance and Early Modern collections. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for Renaissance and Early Modern history. Share specific examples of what excites you about the collections and how you can contribute to their care and documentation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the National Museums Scotland’s collections. Familiarise yourself with their recent exhibitions and initiatives. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the National Museums Scotland family. Keep an eye on our careers portal for updates and new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Asst Curator Renaissance and Early Modern History
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Renaissance and Early Modern history shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in the collections and how they inspire you!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in museums or similar environments. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge related to the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our Careers Portal! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums Scotland
✨Know Your Collections
Dive deep into the Renaissance and Early Modern collections at National Museums Scotland. Familiarise yourself with key pieces, their historical context, and significance. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in museums or similar environments. Highlight specific projects or tasks where you applied your knowledge of history or dealt with public enquiries. Use concrete examples to illustrate your skills and how they align with the role.
✨Brush Up on Best Practices
Understand the best practices in collections care and documentation. Be ready to discuss how you would contribute to improving these processes at National Museums Scotland. This shows that you're forward-thinking and committed to maintaining high standards.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for Renaissance and Early Modern history shine through. Engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about the collections and the department's future initiatives. This will help you stand out as a collaborative and enthusiastic candidate.
