Research Assistant

Research Assistant

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our research team to input data and assist in publishing groundbreaking studies on Japanese history.
  • Company: The British Museum is a world-renowned institution dedicated to preserving and sharing global culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, pension scheme, free museum entry, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting project that combines research with cultural impact in a diverse environment.
  • Qualifications: PhD or near completion in Japanese studies; fluent in English and Japanese; strong research skills required.
  • Other info: Sponsorship available for eligible candidates; commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

As a member of the research team of the project ‘Creative Collaborations: Salons and Networks in Kyoto and Osaka 1780-1880’, funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the jobholder is to engage with various aspects of the project, including intensive data input into the project’s database, to assist the Principal Investigators (PI) and Co-Investigators (CoI) in the UK and Japan to deliver the project’s expected outcomes, and to develop original research in line with the project’s themes.

Key areas of responsibility:

  • To input data into the project’s database from relevant biographical resources, i.e. published books from the late Edo period (1603-1868)

  • To assist the PIs to publish the project’s research volume

  • To assist the PIs and CoIs to complete the project by publishing the research volume and making public the database

  • To communicate in English and Japanese with associate project members in the UK, Japan and elsewhere on the project’s development and events

  • To conduct original research in line with the research project’s themes based on the evidence found through the project’s activities, and to contribute to the project’s presentations

  • Other duties as assigned

  • PhD degree or near completion of PhD in Japanese studies

  • Fluent in English and Japanese languages of the modern period

  • Ability to read pre-modern Japanese language

  • Ability to catalogue artworks efficiently in both English and Japanese

  • Ability to maintain close and clear communication with internal and external colleagues

  • Academic publications (journal articles) in the field of early-modern Japanese studies

You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery.

The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:

  • Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.

  • Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).

  • Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions

  • Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.

  • Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans

  • Professional and personal development opportunities

  • Employee Assistance Programme

  • Discounts on food and gift shop purchases

Additional details, We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations. Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest. You can find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job

The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated bec

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=ZWthbmUuNzQyOTAuMTExOTNAYnJpdGlzaG11c2V1bS5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20

Research Assistant employer: The Museum

The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the research team. With generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and access to exclusive museum activities, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful research in Japanese studies. Located in the heart of London, the Museum provides a unique environment where staff can engage with world-class collections and connect with leading experts in the field.
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Contact Detail:

The Museum Recruiting Team

+442073238000

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the project's themes and objectives. Understanding the historical context of 'Creative Collaborations: Salons and Networks in Kyoto and Osaka 1780-1880' will help you engage more effectively during interviews and discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your Japanese language skills, especially reading pre-modern texts. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in both modern and pre-modern Japanese will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the field of Japanese studies. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues and mentors who may provide insights or recommendations for the position.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your previous research and publications. Highlight how your academic work aligns with the project’s goals, and be ready to share specific examples of how you can contribute to the research volume and database.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant

Fluent in English and Japanese
Ability to read pre-modern Japanese language
Data input and database management
Research skills in early-modern Japanese studies
Academic writing and publication experience
Effective communication with diverse teams
Cataloguing artworks in English and Japanese
Attention to detail
Organizational skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Time management skills
Adaptability to project needs
Critical thinking and analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasize any previous research experience, especially in Japanese studies or related fields. Mention specific projects or publications that demonstrate your ability to conduct original research and engage with historical texts.

Language Proficiency: Clearly state your fluency in both English and Japanese, as well as your ability to read pre-modern Japanese. Provide examples of how you've used these language skills in academic settings or research projects.

Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Discuss your familiarity with data input and cataloguing artworks, and how you can contribute to the project's database and research volume.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires communication with project members in different countries, highlight your experience in collaborating with diverse teams. Mention any relevant experiences where you successfully communicated complex ideas in both English and Japanese.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Museum

✨Showcase Your Language Skills

Since the role requires fluency in both English and Japanese, be prepared to demonstrate your language proficiency during the interview. You might be asked to translate a short passage or discuss your experience communicating in both languages.

✨Highlight Relevant Research Experience

Discuss any previous research projects you've been involved in, especially those related to Japanese studies or historical data analysis. Be specific about your contributions and how they align with the themes of the project.

✨Familiarize Yourself with the Project's Themes

Before the interview, take some time to understand the project's focus on 'Creative Collaborations' in Kyoto and Osaka. Being able to discuss how your background and interests relate to these themes will show your genuine interest in the position.

✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers

Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the project, the team dynamics, or future research opportunities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.

Research Assistant
The Museum
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  • Research Assistant

    London
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-02-04

  • T

    The Museum

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