Senior Heritage Scientist – Research Infrastructure & Access in London

Salary: £43,524 per annum

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment for 5 years

Band: F / Senior Executive Officer

Closing date: Sunday 22nd February 2026 at midnight

As Senior Heritage Scientist you will apply advanced analytical, imaging and research skills to deepen our understanding of the UK’s written heritage and support long‑term preservation. You will work closely with the Head of Heritage Science, expand external partnerships, develop collaborative research initiatives across the UK, and strengthen The National Archives’ role as an international centre of excellence. You will lead and support research projects from conception through delivery, build research capacity through mentoring, and communicate findings to diverse audiences via publications, presentations and workshops.

We are looking for strong analytical expertise, excellent problem‑solving skills, and a passion for the care of written heritage. Experience with non‑destructive analytical methods, research design and delivery, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential. This role is full time; part‑time, flexible and job share requests will be considered subject to operational needs. The role is based mostly onsite with some scope for remote working.

Application Process:

• Interview: on‑site in Kew week commencing 9th March 2026. Candidates invited to interview will prepare a presentation.
• Personal Statement: submit work history details and a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words.
• Selection will be based on the ‘essential’ requirements and your statement should demonstrate in detail how you meet these requirements.

Artificial Intelligence may support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience.

Sponsorship: We may be able to offer sponsorship. Contact us at

Role and Responsibilities:

• Progress, lead and take ownership of heritage science research projects in line with Collection Care’s Conservation Research Strategy.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration externally and across the organisation, expanding our national and international network.
• Independently solve complex problems, applying expert technical expertise and negotiate decisions with peers and stakeholders.
• Maintain clear reporting and communication channels, track, evaluate and document impact metrics.
• Keep abreast of heritage science developments and take a proactive part in personal and professional development.
• Actively communicate the care and conservation of written heritage through peer‑reviewed articles, workshops, seminars and conferences.
• Ensure smooth operation, integration and use of analytical instrumentation in the laboratory.
• Mentor interns, rotating student placements or volunteers and formally manage staff if required; manage temporary research fellows or team members involved in research projects.

Working Conditions:

• Conservation studio
• Normal office environment
• Display Screen Equipment user

Person Specification:

• A postgraduate degree from a recognised science or heritage science programme, or appropriate work experience with a high standard of conservation knowledge and practice.
• Extensive knowledge of current conservation practice and ethical standards, and ability to develop creative and innovative approaches to heritage science.
• Demonstrable skills in solving complex problems, delivering high‑level academic research projects, and making decisions with professional judgment.
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and deliver outcomes to agreed standards and timetables.
• Strong organisational skills, ability to prioritise workload and work on own initiative.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and a track record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Very strong analytical skills, particularly with micro‑ and non‑destructive analytical methods such as XRF, FTIR, Raman, hyperspectral imaging, FORS and micro‑fadometry, and data manipulation and interpretation.
• Ability to mentor and manage others.

• Experience with funded research network projects, either as participant, research fellow or lead.

Benefits:

• Generous benefits package including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at onsite cafe and opportunities for training and development.
• Annual leave: 22 days per calendar year (in to 25 after year one and to 30 after six years) and 10½ public and privilege holidays per annum.
• If moving to The National Archives from another employer, you can no longer access childcare vouchers, but may be eligible for other government schemes such as Tax‑Free Childcare.

Reasonable Adjustments: If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage, we have a duty to make reasonable changes. Contact before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application form to specify changes or help needed in the recruitment process. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security: Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Nationality Requirements:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under EUSS
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under EUSS
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service Code sets out standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. Recruitment is by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities, run a Disability Confident Scheme for eligible candidates. We also offer a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants at risk of redundancy and meeting minimum requirements. This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Contact Point For Applicants:

• Name: The National Archives Recruitment Team
• Email:

Further Information: If you wish to complain about the application process, contact The National Archives via email. If you are not satisfied, contact the Civil Service Commission.