At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the curatorial team in managing Renaissance and Early Modern collections.
- Company: Join the National Museums Scotland, a leading museum group in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28.5 days annual leave, pension contributions, and free museum access.
- Why this job: Dive into history and make a real impact on cultural heritage.
- Qualifications: Passion for Renaissance history and experience in museums or similar environments.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 31929 - 34549 £ per year.
Assistant Curator, Renaissance and Early Modern History | Fixed Term | 35 hours Full Time
Salary: £31,929 - £34,549 (pay award pending). Hours: 35 hours per week | Monday - Friday.
Location: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh and National Museums Collection Centre, Granton | 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, 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 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. 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, 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:
- 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) 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 in Edinburgh 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 in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum sector, especially those who work in Renaissance and Early Modern History. 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 the collections and history. Share specific examples of what excites you about the role and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the National Museums Scotland and their collections. Familiarise yourself with their current exhibitions and any recent news. This will help you ask insightful questions and demonstrate 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 us at National Museums Scotland. 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 in Edinburgh
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. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. Remember, less is often more!
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 significance, and any recent exhibitions. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in museums or similar environments. Highlight specific projects or tasks where you applied your skills, especially in documentation or public engagement. Use examples that demonstrate your reliability and collaborative spirit.
✨Brush Up on ICT Skills
Since the role requires ICT skills, make sure you're comfortable with Microsoft Word, Excel, and database entry. Consider doing a quick refresher on these tools before the interview, so you can confidently discuss how you've used them in past roles.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for history and curatorial work shine through. Be prepared to answer questions about how you would handle public enquiries or engage with visitors. Showing your enthusiasm for the role and the museum's mission will set you apart from other candidates.