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- Tasks: Research and document art from the Indian Collection at the Ashmolean Museum.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, a hub for Eastern art.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, a great pension scheme, and childcare services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving and sharing significant Asian art collections.
- Qualifications: Degree in art history, archaeology, or anthropology with knowledge of Indian culture.
- Other info: Work in a diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 23654 - 26390 £ per year.
Location: Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH
About the role
The Ashmolean Museum, part of the University of Oxford’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), is seeking a Research Assistant for the Indian Collection within the Department of Eastern Art. The department houses internationally significant holdings of art from South and Southeast Asia, China, Japan and the Islamic world, encompassing over 46,000 objects and 150,000 items in the departmental archives, that together form one of Britain’s most important resources for the study of Asian art.
Working under the supervision of the Keeper of Eastern Art – who also has curatorial responsibility for Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian art – you will primarily be responsible for:
- Researching provenance
- Matching archival documents with objects in the collection
- Entering provenance information in the collections database
- Writing labels and/or catalogue entries on works as required by the Keeper
You will improve the quality of available documentation and create digital records to meet Museum data standards for publication online. You will also be responsible for co‑ordinating the digitisation of the archive on site. This is a fixed‑term post for two years, working 18.75 hours per week on site. Please note that this role may involve lifting, moving and carrying heavy boxes of papers, in accordance with safety procedures.
About You
You will hold a degree in art history, archaeology or anthropology with a focus on India, and possess demonstrable knowledge of the visual and material culture of the Indian subcontinent. You will have a record of at least one relevant research publication or the potential to produce such publications. You will bring excellent communication skills, together with strong IT and data skills, including data entry and cleaning. You will be highly organised, with good time management skills, and will be confident working both independently and as part of a team.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
Diversity
Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family‑friendly policies.
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.
The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Mallica Kumbera Landrus, Keeper of Eastern Art. Please direct role‑specific queries to Yuliia Spolitak eastern.art@ashmus.ox.ac.uk. General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk. Please kindly note that over the Christmas holiday period, email inboxes are unlikely to be monitored. Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Monday 5 January 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 30 January 2026.
* An automatic annual increment each year will be paid up to (and not including) the discretionary range within the University of Oxford’s grade 7 salary scale. £39,424 to £43,984 per annum, pro‑rata. Grade 7*
Research Assistant for the Indian Collection employer: Professor Doctor Obi
Contact Detail:
Professor Doctor Obi Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant for the Indian Collection
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Ashmolean Museum and its Indian Collection inside out. Familiarise yourself with their current exhibitions, research projects, and any recent publications. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the museum on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Research Assistant role. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to art history and research methodologies. Think about how your skills align with the job description, especially around data entry and documentation. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure your CV and supporting statement are tailored to highlight how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. A well-crafted application can set you apart from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant for the Indian Collection
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to address each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for, so be specific and give examples!
Show Off Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, highlight any relevant publications or projects you've worked on. We love seeing your ability to dig deep into topics, especially related to Indian art and culture.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your CV and supporting statement, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-organised applications that are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us safely and on time. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised.
How to prepare for a job interview at Professor Doctor Obi
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Indian art and material culture. Familiarise yourself with key pieces in the Ashmolean's collection and be ready to discuss their provenance. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the subject.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
When crafting your supporting statement, directly address each selection criterion listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet these criteria. This will help you stand out and show that you've done your homework.
✨Show Off Your IT Skills
Since the role involves data entry and cleaning, be prepared to discuss your IT skills in detail. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully managed data or created digital records. This will highlight your technical abilities and organisational skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role or the department. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Plus, it leaves a positive impression on the interviewers!