Research Assistant History jobs

Do you have a commitment to research and a curator's eye for what makes an object matter?

About us

The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford explores the culture of image and sound technologies and their impact on our lives. Home to internationally significant collections of film, television, photography, sound and gaming technologies, alongside extensive library and archive collections, the museum is internationally recognised while retaining a strong sense of place and relevance for its local communities. As part of a rich cultural programme, we deliver three festivals each year and house three cinemas - including Europe's first IMAX screen and the world's only public Cinerama screen.

The museum is part of the Science Museum Group, the world's leading group of science museums, which also includes the Science Museum in London, the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, the National Railway Museum in York and Locomotion in Shildon. Together we care for a collection of over seven million items spanning science, technology, engineering, medicine, transport and media, and we share a mission to inspire futures - igniting curiosity among people of all ages and backgrounds. Joining us means becoming part of a talented group of colleagues working to care for, understand and share these extraordinary collections with the world.

About the role

As Associate Curator you will be working closely with specialist curators and the Collections Review team to systematically review select collections in store at the Museum, including objects with hazards. You will be engaging with colleagues, external specialists, researchers, to enhance our understanding of the collection.

The Hazards Review project looks to hazard survey, inventory and review collections located in the Small Object Store at NSMM. Working alongside a small project team the Associate Curator will be responsible for carrying out research and examining the historical significance of the collections and enhancing information on the database.

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed term contract, working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. You'll be based on-site at our National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, working on site for a minimum of three days per week.

About you

We're keen to see applications from candidates who have experience of working with museum collections and are comfortable working with objects containing hazards, including radioactive material. Working safely and confidently with hazardous objects is a core part of this role, and you will be fully supported by our Health and Safety policies, procedures and risk assessments. You will bring experience of carrying out high-quality research using a variety of sources, including reviewing collections to assess whether objects remain suitable for a collection, along with practical collections management skills in handling and assessing objects, documentation and cataloguing, and an understanding of best practice in collections development.

You will be part of a small project team of three, working closely together every day in a compact store environment, so good communication and teamworking skills are essential. You will be able to collaborate effectively and build good working relationships - with your immediate team, subject curators across the Science Museum Group, and external specialists and researchers - drawing on good interpersonal skills. A self-motivated and organised approach, good attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise your own workload and work with minimal supervision will help you thrive in this role.

Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

• Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
• Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
• Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
• Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
• Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
• Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
• Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
• Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.