Objects Conservator in Oxford

Objects Conservator in Oxford

Oxford Part-Time 35681 - 49953 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
University of Oxford Gardens, Libraries & Museums

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Preserve and assess historical objects while enhancing their accessibility and storage.
  • Company: Join the Ashmolean Museum, a leader in art and archaeology conservation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and a chance to work with world-renowned collections.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history and engaging the public with art.
  • Qualifications: Post-graduate qualification in Objects Conservation and relevant museum experience required.
  • Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 35681 - 49953 £ per year.

The Department of Antiquities at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology cares for around 275,000 objects representing the material cultures of Europe, Egypt and Sudan, and the Middle East, spanning almost the entire history of humanity. We are undertaking an ambitious multi-year Collections Management Project, DigitiseLocateStore (DLS), to audit, document, and digitise the collections with the goal of enhancing access—both physically and online—and ensuring best practice in collections care and long-term storage.

To support this work, we are seeking an Objects Conservator to work closely with the team of Collections Assistants carrying out the audit. You will play a key role in carrying out the pre-audit conservation assessment plus guiding rehousing of objects and improving storage conditions. This role will directly contribute to the preservation, accessibility, and understanding of the Ashmolean’s world‑renowned collections, supporting the museum’s core activities of research, teaching, and public engagement. The role is based across Ashmolean Museum sites in Oxfordshire (including off-site stores near Bicester and Botley). This is a part‑time role (15 hours per week, 0.4 FTE), 1‑year fixed‑term post available until 31 May 2027.

About You

You will have a post‑graduate or graduate level professional conservation qualification in Objects Conservation with significant experience of implementing conservation or preservation work in a museum, historic collection or similar setting. You will have specialist knowledge and work‑based experience of assessing the conditions of archaeological and historical materials and objects, as well as remedial and preventive conservation. You will have the ability to manage a busy workload including handling competing demands. You will have demonstrable knowledge of COSHH regulation. You will ideally be confident using Collections Management Software and Digital Asset Management Systems, with excellent data‑entry, cataloguing, and IT skills (including Excel).

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered. Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Tuesday 7 April 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 27 April 2026.

Objects Conservator in Oxford employer: University of Oxford Gardens, Libraries & Museums

The Ashmolean Museum offers a unique opportunity for an Objects Conservator to contribute to the preservation and accessibility of its world-renowned collections in the heart of Oxford. With a commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on meaningful conservation projects, this part-time role allows you to make a significant impact while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Oxford City Centre. Join us in our mission to enhance public engagement and understanding of art and archaeology.
University of Oxford Gardens, Libraries & Museums

Contact Detail:

University of Oxford Gardens, Libraries & Museums Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Objects Conservator in Oxford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow conservators, museum staff, or even your old professors. They might have insider info on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of past conservation work, bring it along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by researching the Ashmolean Museum and its collections. Knowing their projects and values will help you tailor your answers and show you’re genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Objects Conservator in Oxford

Objects Conservation
Conservation Assessment
Remedial Conservation
Preventive Conservation
Collections Management Software
Digital Asset Management Systems
Data Entry
Cataloguing
IT Skills
COSHH Regulation
Workload Management
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to address each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so be specific and give examples!

Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your CV and supporting statement, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.

Show Your Passion for Conservation: Let us know why you’re excited about this role and the work we do at the Ashmolean Museum. A bit of enthusiasm can go a long way in making your application stand out!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website by the deadline! This ensures we receive all your documents properly and can consider you for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford Gardens, Libraries & Museums

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of conservation techniques and the specific materials you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with the Ashmolean Museum's collections and their significance, as this will show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement

When crafting your supporting statement, directly address each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you meet these requirements, making it clear why you're the perfect fit for the Objects Conservator position.

✨Showcase Your IT Skills

Since the role involves using Collections Management Software and Digital Asset Management Systems, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. If you have any relevant projects or examples where you've successfully used technology in conservation, make sure to highlight them during the interview.

✨Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the Collections Management Project. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.

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