Description

Closing Date: 29-Apr-2024

About the role:
The British Museum is seeking a Project Curator: Archaeological Assemblages and Site Archives to take a lead role within a project to improve the documentation and organisation of the British Museum’s archaeological assemblages at the new British Museum Archaeological Research Collection (BM_ARC) in Reading. The role will co-ordinate work within a team undertaking post-excavation archiving and site assessment, to help rationalise archaeological collections and site archives, and build an understanding of the research potential of the collection.
The role is based at the British Museum Archaeological Research Centre at Reading.
Key areas of responsibility:
To demonstrate best practice in the assessment and rationalization of historically excavated archaeological assemblages and associated site archive.
To make the collection, and knowledge about it, publicly accessible via digital documentation.
To lead on upgrading the documentation of archaeological assemblages and site archives and improve the accessibility of these collections for research purposes.
To work as a team member with colleagues within and beyond the department to develop or ensure good relations with relevant stakeholders.
To plan, organize and optimize the performance of the project team, defining and tracking progress against targets and reporting on progress.
To assist in the general day-to-day running of the project and do some administrative project work.
To work independently to change the focus of team priorities as needed in line with project objectives.
To develop new practices for the storage and effective accessibility for archaeological site archives at BM_ARC, maximising their research potential, in consultation with colleagues in central archive.
To act as an advocate for the project and the Museum.
About you:
Educated to degree level in in archaeology or relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience.
Experience of archaeological excavation and research techniques.
Extensive experience of post-excavation processes and the creation of archaeological archive for deposit.
Involvement in a museum project, such as storage reorganisation or a gallery refurbishment.
Experience of working with different types of post-excavation archives, for example from older excavations (pre-MOLAS recording).
Experience of working in a museum or archive deposit environment as well as working with excavated archaeological assemblages.
Knowledge of project and budget management alongside planning, organising and optimising the work of self and others.
An effective communicator, both verbally and written, who can set standards as a team leader.
Experience of research, publication or public dissemination of work is desirable.
Experience as a technical specialist within a post-excavation context (e.g. animal bone, worked stone, human remains) is desirable.
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.