At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and catalogue significant Palaeolithic stone tool collections while engaging with the public.
- Company: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, a hub for research and education.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, excellent pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic museum environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in archaeology and share knowledge through teaching and exhibitions.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in Archaeology and experience with lithic artefacts required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW, as well as Ashmolean Museum and Pitt Rivers Museum as required.
About the role
The stone tool collections held by the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum are vast, comprehensive and of considerable research value - put together they are one of the most significant lithics collections in the UK. This project will focus on the British Palaeolithic - this is the greatest strength of the lithic collections and also sits well with the amazing Pleistocene faunal collections in the Museum of Natural History.
The Project Curator will be responsible for cataloguing and photographing the entire collection and 3D scanning key items. Catalogue data will be held in the internal Collections Management Systems (Axiell EMu; MuseumPlus) and will be made accessible worldwide through the individual Collections Online sites as well as through a web presence on the University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums site. They will also spend some time developing and delivering teaching sessions for students, learning resources for schools, pop-up exhibitions, public programming, and volunteer opportunities.
This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 36 months. The post could be fully on-site or hybrid (up to two days a week working from home). Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree with a substantial Archaeology component and experience of identifying and classifying prehistoric lithic artefacts. They will also have a track record of collections-focused museum work, including photographing museum objects and using collections management systems (CMSs) such as Axiell EMu or MuseumPlus. Experience of using a structured light scanner to make 3D scans would be desirable but is not essential.
Benefits
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Project Curator - UK Palaeolithic Project in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Curator - UK Palaeolithic Project in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the museum and archaeology sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work with lithic artefacts, including any cataloguing, photography, or 3D scanning projects you've done. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the museums and their collections. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job listings, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to be part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Curator - UK Palaeolithic Project in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Curator role. Highlight your experience with lithic artefacts and any relevant museum work. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for archaeology and explain why you're excited about this project. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the role.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with collections management systems like Axiell EMu or MuseumPlus. If you've done any 3D scanning, even better! We want to know what makes you stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the stone tool collections and their significance. Understand the British Palaeolithic context and be ready to discuss how your background in Archaeology aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience with collections management systems like Axiell EMu or MuseumPlus. If you have any experience with 3D scanning, even if it's not extensive, mention it and express your eagerness to learn more.
✨Engage with Teaching and Public Programming
Think about how you would develop teaching sessions or public programming related to the collections. Bring ideas to the table that demonstrate your creativity and ability to engage diverse audiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the museums involved. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the team.