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- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in economic geology for a sustainable future.
- Company: Join the Natural History Museum, a world-class science research centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mineral resources while inspiring millions to care for our planet.
- Qualifications: PhD in geology with a strong track record in economic geology and research leadership.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth and collaboration opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 1100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us
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 seeking a world-leading scientist to join us as a Research Leader in Economic Geology, shaping research that will help secure the mineral resources required for the transition to a net‑zero economy. This is an opportunity to lead internationally significant research at the intersection of geoscience, resource discovery and sustainability. We are looking for a visionary geologist who can challenge established paradigms, develop new approaches to mineral discovery, and build a globally recognised research programme aligned with the Museum’s Resourcing the Green Economy theme. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for economic geology across the Museum, developing ambitious projects that combine field research, advanced analytical methods and the Museum’s globally significant mineral collections. You will lead high‑impact collaborations with academic and industry partners, secure major external funding and mentor the next generation of geoscientists. The role also offers the opportunity to strengthen collaboration with the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, with a visiting professorship envisaged to support joint research and training. Working across the Museum’s laboratories, collections and international networks, you will help position the Natural History Museum as a global hub for research into the mineral resources needed for a sustainable future.
About You
Are you an internationally recognised economic geologist ready to shape the future of mineral resource research? You hold a doctorate in geology or a related discipline and bring a strong track record in economic geology, including field‑based research and engagement with the mining sector. Your work demonstrates scientific leadership through influential publications, successful research programmes and the ability to secure significant external funding. You are an experienced research leader who enjoys building ambitious collaborations and mentoring early‑career scientists. You combine strategic vision with the ability to deliver impactful research programmes that address major global challenges. If you are motivated by the opportunity to advance mineral deposit science and help secure the resources needed for the green economy, this role offers a unique platform to do so.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Hybrid working
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first‑hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
How To Apply
If this sounds like you, please apply below by clicking on Apply for job. Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. We advise you to double‑check your application form data before submitting as the tool may interpret CVs differently. We’re delighted that many of our vacancies attract a high level of interest. To ensure that every application receives the time and careful consideration it deserves, we closely monitor the number of applications we receive. In some cases, where interest is particularly high, we may close a vacancy to new applications ahead of the advertised closing date. Taking this approach helps us manage the process efficiently while maintaining a fair and thorough shortlisting process for all candidates. We therefore encourage early applications where possible.
Closing date: 23:59 on 29th May Interviews expected: w/c 8th June
Please note that this role qualifies for Museum sponsorship. Whilst we would still expect the successful postholder to have valid right to work in the UK at the point of starting the role, the Museum can support in obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role to apply for future or continued right to work in the UK.
Sillitoe Research Leader, Economic Geology in London employer: Natural History Museum
Contact Detail:
Natural History Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sillitoe Research Leader, Economic Geology in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend industry events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about contributing to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion during interviews! Talk about your previous projects and how they relate to the role. Let them see your enthusiasm for economic geology and how you can help drive their mission forward.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Natural History Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Sillitoe Research Leader, Economic Geology in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Sillitoe Research Leader in Economic Geology. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your successes! Whether it’s securing funding or leading impactful research, we want to see how you've made a difference in your field.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for economic geology shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Early!: We often receive a high volume of applications, so don’t wait until the last minute. Applying early not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a better chance of being considered before the closing date.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in economic geology. Familiarise yourself with the Museum's current research themes, especially around sustainability and mineral resources. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led successful research projects or collaborations in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring early-career scientists and securing funding, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Connect with Their Mission
Understand the Museum's vision for a future where both people and planet thrive. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to creating advocates for the planet through your research.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the Museum's research initiatives and future directions. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and vision for the role.