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- Tasks: Lead research and create engaging content on Manchester's history of enslavement.
- Company: Join the Science Museum Group, a mission-driven organization focused on inclusive storytelling.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of leave, health insurance, career growth support, and great discounts.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by sharing underrepresented histories and engaging with diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in research and content creation; strong interpersonal skills are essential.
- Other info: We encourage applications from underrepresented candidates, especially Black and Caribbean individuals.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you interested in representative and inclusive histories about Manchester and its industrial development? Can you turn research into engaging and accessible content for a variety of audiences?
About us
At the Science Museum Group (SMG), we're working to make our collections and stories more inclusive, in line with our organisational value to be Open for All.
As part of this work, a major special exhibition and events programme about Manchester, cotton and enslavement, will launch in 2027 at the Science and Industry Museum (SIM) in Manchester. The project, which will be delivered in partnership with the Scott Trust Legacies of Enslavement Programme, will reveal how transatlantic slavery shaped the city's growth, and how the legacies of these histories continue to impact Manchester, the world, and lives today.
We are looking for a Curator to play a key role in shaping research and content for this the important project. This is a full-time role based at SIM, on a fixed-term contract for 2 years.
About the role
As Legacies of Enslavement Curator, you will ensure the lived experiences, voices and perspectives of African descendant and diaspora communities are central to the exhibition and wider programme's research and content development. You will lead the research and delivery of content relating to three key areas: the legacies of enslavement, remembrance and commemoration, and the contemporary experiences of Black Manchester communities. You will also play a key role in ensuring that content and learnings from this project shape the development of future galleries and programming at the museum and across SMG.
About you
You will be motivated by a desire to research and share representative and inclusive histories, and work in a socially engaged way with communities to develop content. You will bring experience of carrying out research and thinking creatively to turn this into engaging content for audiences. Your interpersonal skills will enable you to build strong relationships with a range of partners, from academic researchers to community collaborators. You may bring these skills and qualities, and this experience, from non-museum or academic settings.
Given the focus of this role, we would particularly welcome applications from Black, Black British, African or Caribbean candidates, who are currently underrepresented in our organisation.
Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.
What we offer
Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.
- Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
- Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.
Curator - Legacies of Enslavement employer: Science Museum Group
Contact Detail:
Science Museum Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator - Legacies of Enslavement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the history of Manchester, particularly its industrial development and the legacies of enslavement. Understanding the local context will help you engage more deeply with the communities and narratives that are central to this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local community organizations and academic institutions that focus on African descendant and diaspora histories. Building these relationships can provide valuable insights and collaborations that will enhance your research and content development.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to create engaging content by preparing a portfolio of past projects or presentations. Highlight how you've made complex topics accessible to diverse audiences, as this will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current discussions and events related to Black Manchester communities. Engaging with contemporary issues will not only inform your work but also show your commitment to representing these voices in the exhibition.
We think you need these skills to ace Curator - Legacies of Enslavement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Curator position. Understand the key responsibilities and the importance of inclusive histories in the context of Manchester's industrial development.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any experience you have in research, community engagement, or content creation. Make sure to connect your past work to the themes of legacies of enslavement and representation.
Showcase Your Passion: Express your motivation for working on projects that focus on representative and inclusive histories. Share any personal connections or insights that drive your interest in this role.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Curator position. Use language from the job description to demonstrate that you understand the organization's values and goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Science Museum Group
✨Research the History of Manchester
Before your interview, dive deep into the history of Manchester, particularly its industrial development and the legacies of enslavement. Understanding the local context will help you articulate how your research can contribute to the exhibition and engage with the community.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience working with diverse communities. Highlight specific examples where you've collaborated with African descendant or diaspora communities, as this role emphasizes the importance of inclusive histories and perspectives.
✨Prepare Engaging Content Ideas
Think creatively about how to present complex historical narratives in an engaging way. Prepare a few ideas on how you would turn research into accessible content for various audiences, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Emphasize Interpersonal Skills
This role requires building strong relationships with partners from different backgrounds. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with academic researchers or community collaborators in the past, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
