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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Museum's research strategy and inspire a team of researchers.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a world-renowned institution in Bloomsbury, London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free exhibition access, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research in a historic institution and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in research with experience in securing funding and managing projects.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and community support.
The predicted salary is between 77816 - 77816 £ per year.
Hybrid (at least 3 days per week on-site in Bloomsbury, London)
Permanent
£77,816 per annum
About the role
The British Museum is looking for a visionary leader to shape the Museum’s intellectual agenda and vision for research as Head of Research. This is a rare opportunity to shape research strategy at an internationally renowned institution with the chance to influence research across the UK museum sector. With a strong track record of world-leading research, you will ensure the Museum has one of the world’s most researched, accessible and visible collections. Working closely with the Trustee’s Collections and Research Committee, and over 100 researchers and curators across all Collection Departments, you will lead the development and delivery of a compelling Research Strategy that enriches understanding of the Museum’s collections, supports major projects, and fuels the next generation of researchers.
You will reimagine what it means to be a research-led international museum in the 21st century as the Museum embarks on the biggest redisplay of its permanent galleries in the past 150 years. To achieve this, you will build strong internal and external partnerships at the highest levels, champion research excellence, and secure significant external funding to advance the Museum’s ambitions. If you are looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to make a major contribution to the future of the Museum, we invite you to apply for this role.
Key areas of responsibility
- Ensure the Research Strategy drives a strong and dynamic programme of research that supports and develops the Museum’s intellectual agenda.
- Catalyse high quality research across all areas of the Museum, ensuring all elements of the Museums work is informed by research, especially the Masterplan, new galleries, and exhibitions.
- Guide the development of major research projects and funding bids, focusing on income-generating activities.
- Manage the Deputy Head of Research and other team members and support the development of early career researchers and young researchers embedding a strong research culture across the Museum.
- Represent the Museum internally and externally, cultivating strong stakeholder relationships and partnerships, increasing collaborative research partnerships.
- Contribute to the national and international research landscape through advocacy and strategic insight.
- Lead key relationships with external organisations for the development of the Museum’s research at BM_ARC in Reading.
- Deliver internal and external research reviews and continuously elevating research quality.
- Lead the Museum Research Board and oversee relevant policies.
About you
We’re looking for a strategic, inspiring leader with a clear and sensitive leadership style. You’ll be able to motivate teams, forge successful partnerships, and champion research excellence. You will be comfortable operating at the highest level, balancing multiple priorities, and delivering work of long-term significance for the Museum and its audiences.
What you’ll bring to the Museum:
- Strong reputation in a relevant research field with significant experience developing and implementing strategies within a research-focused environment.
- Proven leader in securing external funding, delivering funded high-profile projects and managing large budgets.
- Understanding of issues facing the museum or heritage sector.
- Strong managerial experience, including motivating teams and leading change.
- Ability to lead, influence and collaborate with stakeholders internally and externally, across academia, government and media.
- Evidence of a strong research and publications record.
At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’ve designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found here, but we’ve outlined some highlights below:
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation‑linked defined benefit.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Value Many Voices
These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.
At the British Museum, we are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process where every applicant has the opportunity to present their genuine strengths and experience in their own voice.
While we recognise that AI tools can be helpful when preparing applications, we expect all submissions to accurately reflect everyone’s skills and background, and we may withdraw applications that appear to be generated entirely by AI. During interviews, we want to hear directly from candidates and therefore do not permit the use of AI to generate or support answers, though assistive technologies used as reasonable adjustments are fully welcomed.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
We may be able to provide visa sponsorship for this role, subject to meeting eligibility requirements. You can find out more about these here.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Head of Research employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the museum and research sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential collaborators. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past research projects and achievements. When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, use this as a way to demonstrate how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an opportunity at the British Museum, don’t wait for the formal application process. Reach out directly to the hiring team or relevant contacts to express your interest and discuss how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it real! During interviews, be authentic and share your passion for research and museums. Talk about your vision for the future and how you can help shape the Museum’s strategy. Remember, they want to see the real you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Research: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for research shine through! We want to see how your vision aligns with the Museum's goals and how you can contribute to shaping its intellectual agenda.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of the museum sector, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application focused and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and ensure that your key achievements stand out. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and gives you a chance to explore more about the role and the Museum itself!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Research Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the British Museum's current research strategy and any recent projects. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their intellectual agenda.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Head of Research, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and forged successful partnerships in previous roles. Highlight your ability to balance multiple priorities while delivering impactful results.
✨Prepare for Funding Discussions
Given the importance of securing external funding, come ready to discuss your experience with funding bids and managing large budgets. Bring examples of high-profile projects you've delivered and how you navigated the funding landscape to achieve success.
✨Embrace the Museum's Values
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's core values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, and Value Many Voices. During the interview, reflect these values in your responses and provide examples of how you've embodied them in your work.