Description

Closing Date: 06-May-2024

About the role:
The British Museum is seeking curious and dedicated archaeologists with post-excavation and archiving experience to join our project team. This exciting project is based at the new British Museum Archaeological Research Collection (BM_ARC) in Reading. Working as part of a project team, the role will improve the organisation, integrity and documentation of historical archaeological collections formerly held at Blythe House. The role will develop existing skills in post-excavation archiving and site assessment to help rationalise archaeological collections and site archives, and to improve the accessibility of these collections for research purposes.
There are 5 vacancies for this role.
The role(s) are based at the British Museum Archaeological Research Centre at Reading.
Key areas of responsibility:
Using your skills in post-excavation assessment and archive preparation to help build an understanding of the research potential of the archaeological assemblages held at BM_ARC.
To contribute to the assessment and rationalization of historically excavated archaeological assemblages and associated site archive.
Assisting with upgrading documentation of archaeological assemblages.
To contribute to improving the accessibility of these collections for research purposes.
To work as a member of a project team, including specialist staff in other departments.
Assist in the day-to-day running of the project, reporting on progress against plan and changing focus as needed in line with project priorities.
Developing your understanding of museums and archaeological archiving standards.
To act as an advocate for the project.
About you:
An experienced archaeologist with a background in post-excavation reporting and the preparation of archaeological archive for deposit.
Experience of dealing with archaeological assemblages.
May previously have worked for a professional archaeological unit as well as in a museum setting.
Experience of interpreting historically excavated legacy archives, rather than current excavations, would be an advantage.
Experience in working within particular specialisms in a post-excavation context (e.g. animal remains, worked stone, human remains, pottery, metalwork) is desirable.
Highly self-motivated, committed to supportive and collegiate team working, and an open and effective communicator.
Spoken and written English is good, and adept at finding positive solutions to problems.
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is one of the leading visitor attractions and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, Egyptian mummies, the Admonitions Scroll, and the Amaravati sculptures.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
Membership of the civil service pension scheme
Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections
Generous annual leave allowance
Interest-free travel, bicycle and rental deposit loans
Professional and personal development opportunities
Employee Assistance Programme
Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
Additional details:
For more information about this role, please see the job description.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of in order to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated fairly because of their relevant knowledge, skills and experience.
We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you.
The Museum adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.