At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Reptile and Amphibian section, managing collections and supporting research.
- Company: World-class Natural History Museum with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, life insurance, and staff discounts.
- Other info: 100% on-site role with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of significant scientific collections and engage with global research.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections management and strong taxonomic knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About The Role
The Natural History Museum is home to internationally significant herpetology collections spanning modern and fossil reptiles and amphibians, and fossil birds. Together, these collections support globally important scientific research, public engagement and exhibitions, and represent one of the world’s most important resources for the study of vertebrate evolution and biodiversity. We’re looking for a Senior Curator in Charge, Herpetology to lead the newly formed Reptile and Amphibian section, bringing together palaeontological, historical and modern collections for the first time in the Museum’s history. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a major scientific collection at a pivotal moment of integration and transformation. You will provide day-to-day management across collections care, development and access, ensuring these internationally important collections continue to support cutting‑edge research, digitisation and public engagement.
Working closely with the Principal Curator in Charge of the Vertebrates and Anthropology Division, as well as other curators, researchers and collections specialists across the Museum, you will manage and support a team of curators, contribute to major Museum-wide initiatives including NHM150, Unlocked and RECODE, and help shape priorities for digitisation and future collection development. Alongside your management responsibilities, you will contribute to collections‑based research, support researchers and visitors accessing the collections, and help strengthen the Museum’s role as a global centre for natural history science and collections stewardship.
About You
Are you an experienced collections expert with a passion for natural history collections and collections‑based science? If you enjoy combining scientific expertise with people leadership and management, and are motivated by the opportunity to help shape the future of internationally important collections, this could be the role for you. You bring substantial experience in collections management, care and development, alongside strong taxonomic knowledge relevant to these collections. You are confident working with collections information systems and complex datasets, and understand the legislative and ethical frameworks that underpin collections stewardship. You are an effective manager who enjoys supporting and developing others, building collaborative relationships and contributing to ambitious institutional priorities. You combine practical problem‑solving with excellent communication skills, and are comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders including researchers, students, public engagement teams and external partners. If you are motivated by enabling research, improving access to collections and contributing to the long‑term stewardship of globally significant scientific resources, you will thrive in this role.
Hybrid Working
Due to the nature of this role the work pattern will be 100% on site.
What We Offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in‑house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi.
Senior Curator in Charge, Herpetology in London employer: Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Senior Curator in Charge of Herpetology to lead and innovate within a world-renowned institution. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, generous benefits including 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and extensive training initiatives, the Museum fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. Located in the heart of London, employees enjoy access to a wealth of resources and cultural experiences, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Curator in Charge, Herpetology in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Museum through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Museum's collections and recent projects. Show us that you're not just passionate about herpetology, but also about how it fits into the Museum's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Curator in Charge. We want to hear how you can lead the Reptile and Amphibian section and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Curator in Charge, Herpetology in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for herpetology and natural history shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in the collections and how you can contribute to their future.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in collections management and leadership. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role of Senior Curator in Charge.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Museum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Know Your Collections
Dive deep into the Museum's herpetology collections before your interview. Familiarise yourself with both modern and fossil reptiles and amphibians, as well as the significance of these collections in global research. This will show your passion and expertise, making you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in supporting and developing others, as this role requires effective management and collaboration with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to ambitious institutional priorities.
✨Understand Diversity and Inclusion
Since diversity is a core value for the Museum, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. Share your thoughts on the importance of diversity in scientific research and collections management, and how you’ve fostered inclusivity in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Practical Problem-Solving
Think of specific challenges you've faced in collections management and how you resolved them. The interviewers will likely want to see your practical problem-solving skills in action, so come equipped with real-life examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex datasets and ethical frameworks.
