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 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 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:
- 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.
- 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 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:
- 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 in Old Town 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 Old Town
✨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 relevant groups, 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
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the collections at National Museums Scotland. Familiarise yourself with their Renaissance and Early Modern pieces, and think about how your skills can enhance their documentation programmes. Show them you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience in museums and how it relates to the role of Assistant Curator. This will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers portal for any updates or new opportunities that pop up. We’re always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Asst Curator Renaissance and Early Modern History in Old Town
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 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 demonstrated your skills, especially in documentation and public engagement. Use examples that align with the responsibilities of the Assistant Curator role.
✨Engage with the Values
National Museums Scotland values creativity, inclusivity, collaboration, and forward-thinking. Think of ways you can embody these values in your work. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively or contributed to inclusive practices in past roles.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the department's future projects, collection care practices, or how they engage with the public. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.