Vacancy for Curator: Reception of Ancient Middle East and Egypt in London

Join the British Museum’s Middle East department as Curator for Reception of Ancient Middle East and Egypt. This is a role at the heart of researching how these world‑defining cultures have been understood, collected and interpreted over time. You will lead research and acquisition activity, upgrade collection documentation, and make the Museum’s collections publicly accessible through publications, displays, digital outputs and broadcasts. Working closely with colleagues across Middle East, Egypt & Sudan, and beyond, you’ll help deliver the Masterplan and contribute to new displays, gallery developments and cross‑Museum research ambitions.

We’re looking for a researcher with strong academic grounding in history, archaeology or reception studies relating to the Ancient Middle East and/or Egypt. You’ll bring experience of working with objects, producing publications, and collaborating with colleagues or external partners on research projects. You’re an effective communicator, comfortable balancing research with day‑to‑day curatorial duties, and able to work independently while contributing actively to departmental and Museum‑wide goals. A passion for public engagement and for explaining how ancient cultures have been understood both in the past and the present is essential.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Lead research and documentation upgrades for the Ancient Middle East and Egypt & Sudan collections.
• Deliver research projects, working collaboratively with internal colleagues and external partners.
• Build the collection through acquisitions via donation or purchase.
• Engage with future gallery planning and lead the registration and documentation of the Ian Black Collection of political memorabilia.
• Make the collection publicly accessible through publications, digital platforms, displays and broadcast media.
• Represent the Museum as an advocate, contribute to income‑generation activity, and support day‑to‑day departmental operations.

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.
• 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.
• Eyecare vouchers for VDU tests and contributions toward glasses.
• Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.

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.