Curatorial Fellow in Photography, supported The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation

The Curatorial Fellowship in Photography, supported by The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation is an opportunity to further develop expertise in the history of photography by researching the collections of the V&A, while gaining vital curatorial experience working in a museum. The Curatorial Fellow will divide their time between key curatorial duties and pursuing an independent research project, which may relate to portraiture, colour photography or photographic processes, all areas of interest to the American photographer Bern Schwartz and The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation. The topic and scope of the project will be agreed at the start of the fellowship, depending on the Fellow’s expertise and the priorities of the Photography Section.

What will you be doing?

• Demonstrate strong knowledge and expertise in at least one area of the V&A's Photography Collection.
• Develop an agreed programme of research and dissemination.
• Extend knowledge of collections through day-to-day handling of objects; take responsibility for object movement and appropriate documentation; develop awareness of museum ethics.
• Undertake cataloguing and documentation of the collections; facilitate digitisation.
• Support the development of acquisition proposals, undertaking research and due diligence in preparing arguments for acquisitions.
• Respond to public and specialist enquiries and help provide public access to the collections.
• Participate in the development of displays in the Photography Centre and elsewhere across V&A sites; assist in the production of labels and interpretation; check galleries and organise relevant maintenance.
• Collaborate on V&A conferences and seminars, and with colleagues in Learning, contributing content as required; liaise with peers in regional and national museums, participating in relevant networks.
• Contribute to publications in print and online.
• Support engagement with the Photographs Acquisition Group; provide periodic reporting and maintain relations with The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation and its representative regarding the progress and outcomes of the fellowship.

Who we are looking for?

Job Specific Skills:

• Academic background and record of scholarship in the history of photography.
• Demonstrable research skills.
• A demonstrable interest in, and enthusiasm for, telling stories about collections through temporary and permanent collection displays, exhibitions, publications, learning and engagement.
• Practical and organisational skills: meticulousness, a keen attention to detail in all aspects of work, particularly record keeping; experience of handling materials with care and sensitivity to their physical properties.

Core Skills:

• Highly motivated and able to demonstrate initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate as part of a team, to work flexibly and calmly under pressure.
• Excellent standard of written English and numeric ability.
• Experience of communicating clearly, with the ability to adapt communication styles for different groups.
• Good time management skills, ability to set priorities and manage a number of tasks concurrently.
• The ability to use MS Office and other relevant IT systems as appropriate for the role.

What’s in it for you?

• 29 days of holiday + public holidays each year
• 5.5% employee pension contribution, 10% employer pension contribution (post-probation)
• Life assurance scheme (to value of 4 x annual salary)
• Family-friendly policies e.g. enhanced maternity + paid carers leave
• Free sanitary products for all employees across our sites
• Free entrance to many major museums and exhibitions
• Benefits platform offering discounts at major retailers