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- Tasks: Care for and conserve archaeological artefacts, ensuring their safe display and storage.
- Company: Join National Museums Scotland, a leading museum group with diverse collections.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, and free access to museums worldwide.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history while working in a creative and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Recognised conservation degree and experience in artefact conservation required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and training student interns.
The predicted salary is between 36932 - 40123 £ per year.
Full time | Fixed Term to 31 March 2027
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% 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 in Edinburgh employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Artefact Conservator in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow conservators, museum professionals, or even your old classmates. Attend events or workshops where you can meet people in the field. 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 work. Include before-and-after photos of artefacts you've worked on, and any projects that highlight your expertise. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the museum's collection and current exhibitions. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their specific needs. Tailoring your answers to their mission and values will show you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨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 our team at National Museums Scotland. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Artefact Conservator in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for artefact conservation shine through. We want to see how much you care about preserving history and your unique approach to the role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience and skills in conservation. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise, especially with archaeological materials.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the job requirements without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to explore more about our values and culture.
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 of your past conservation work. Highlight your planning skills and how you've successfully managed tight deadlines. Be ready to explain your approach to risk assessment and how you prioritise tasks in a busy environment.
✨Communicate Enthusiastically
Your strong communication skills are key! Think about how you can convey your passion for conservation during the interview. Practice explaining complex conservation concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to engage with audiences and train interns.
✨Collaborate and Connect
Emphasise your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with curatorial or exhibition teams in the past. This will demonstrate that you align with the museum's values of being inclusive and collaborative.
