Scientist: Polychromy and Technical Imaging

The British Museum is seeking a talented and motivated Scientist specialising in polychromy and technical imaging to join our Scientific Research team. In this role, you will focus on research across all forms of polychromy using spectroscopic analysis and non‑invasive surface imaging. You will develop and collaborate on cross‑departmental research projects addressing topics such as:

• Colour in context: understanding what polychrome objects looked like in the past
• Colours invisible: developing scientific tools for pigment discovery, understanding colour loss
• Colour as capital: high status colours, adulteration, peril/cost of procurement
• Colour palettes: artists of the past and how they worked

You’ll use advanced analytical techniques and be responsible for maintaining two components of our scientific infrastructure that will be especially relevant to your research: Raman spectroscopy and the optics and imaging laboratory (multiband and RTI). In addition, you’ll use other technologies available in the Department of Scientific Research including microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and XRF spectroscopy. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of heritage science, contributing to research that unlocks the stories behind decorated and polychrome objects across the Museum’s world‑renowned collections.

Key areas of responsibility

• Collaborate with conservation, curatorial, and scientific colleagues on interdisciplinary projects to deliver and contribute to the BM Research Strategy and redevelopment of the Western Range galleries.
• Conduct scientific research into pigments, polychromy and decorated surfaces using advanced analytical tools, providing scientific expertise to support conservation and curatorial enquiries.
• Support, maintain and develop technical imaging and Raman spectroscopy facilities, including user training and data management.
• Explore new technologies and analytical approaches to enhance understanding of decorated objects.
• Raise research funds through avenues such as research grants and cultivating relationships with patrons and sponsors, highlighting the importance of polychrome research to the Museums aims.
• Produce research outputs including publications, conference presentations, web content, and exhibition materials.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and records are maintained, training is delivered and all health & safety and security procedures are observed for areas of oversight.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is scientifically rigorous, collaborative, and passionate about applying advanced analytical methods within cultural heritage.

• Degree or Master’s in relevant sciences such as physics, chemistry, heritage science, conservation science.
• Experience analysing pigments and using techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and multiband imaging.
• Ideally, you will have a track record of research on colourants from museum collections or other cultural heritage contexts.
• Strong organisational skills, able to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in scientific problem‑solving, data interpretation, and research communication.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong teamworking ability.

The Masterplan

The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane – who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.

At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do and have 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).
• Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
• Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation‑linked defined benefit.

Our Values

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. 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. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.