Research Curator
Henry Moore Institute, Leeds
(one-year fixed term contract)
Information for candidates
July 2026

Research Curator, Henry Moore Institute Fixed term contract of up to 12 months to September 2027

Full time (35 hours/week)

Location: Leeds city centre

Salary: £43,000 - £45,000 p.a.

Plus: 3% employer’s pension contribution

The Henry Moore Institute is one of the world’s leading centres for the study of sculpture, offering a programme of research activities that complements and animates the exhibitions programme.

The role of Research Curator has huge variety. Reporting to the Head of Henry Moore Institute, the post-holder will devise and deliver an innovative programme of research and study that places the Henry Moore Institute as the UK’s leading, specialist organisation for the consideration and presentation of sculpture. The post-holder will develop a creative approach to research that promotes new ideas, academic rigour and debate in the study of sculpture; engaging students, academics and creative professionals alike. Well networked nationally and internationally, the Research Curator will work with colleagues to nurture strategic partnerships and collaborations.

Our ideal candidate will have a post-graduate degree in the history of art and a particular interest in sculpture, preferably with at least two years’ experience in scholarly research and in the management of public programmes in an academic or cultural institution. However, a passion for sculpture and proven ability to engage in scholarly rigour and discourse, and a track record in programming and managing public events are the paramount attributes for this role. A highly skilled people manager and communicator with the ability to enthuse and inspire others, the post-holder will be confident in leading the small research team and delivering talks and presentations to a wide range of stakeholders.

Further information about the Henry Moore Foundation and our programmes is available at our website: http://www.henry-moore.org

Please return your completed form to the HR team at recruitment@henry-moore.org by 9am Monday 27 July 2026.

Interviews will take place for shortlisted candidates in Leeds on Thursday 6 August (see pack for further details re: applicant holidays).

About the Foundation

The Henry Moore Foundation was established by one of the great sculptors of the twentieth century. Today it is the largest artist-endowed grant-giving foundation in Europe. At the Foundation, we would like as many people as possible to enjoy and appreciate sculpture and in particular the work of Britain’s greatest sculptor, Henry Moore. We want to inspire and inform people of all ages and backgrounds, whether they have an interest in the arts, are studying sculpture or visiting with their family. We want to extend our reach to worldwide audiences through international touring of our collection; and to support the development of sculpture through our grants programme. We have bold ambitions that require us to capitalise on our assets in order to achieve these aims.

The Foundation is overseen by a Board of Trustees, but day to day management is delegated to the Senior Management Team. We employ around 70 permanent employees across our two sites.

All of our people are encouraged to uphold our core values: Generous & Inclusive, Respect & Value, and Visionary & Creative.

1. Henry Moore Institute, Leeds

The Institute is firmly rooted in Leeds, where we work in partnership with Leeds Art Gallery to manage the sculpture collection and archive of Leeds Museums and Galleries, a collaboration that has built one of the strongest public collections of sculpture in Britain. The Institute is a world-recognised centre for the study of sculpture, where we aim to make a significant impact on the future of art history, placing sculpture right at the centre. We achieve this through an exhibitions and research programme that consistently re-thinks how we understand sculpture today, continuing Moore's legacy by making sculpture a necessary and relevant part of contemporary culture.

In 2024, the Institute underwent an ambitious refurbishment project, designed to elevate our spaces and enhance the experience of our audiences. We also continued our commitment to sustainability through the installation of solar panels across the roof and improved insulation.

The Institute attracts around 100,000 visitors each year with free admission and offers a busy programme of research and engagement activities.

Lungiswa Gqunta, Ntabamanzi 2022 in Sleep in Witness at Henry Moore Institute 2022. Photo: Minyung Im

2. Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Perry Green

Perry Green is a small hamlet near Much Hadham in rural East Hertfordshire, where Henry Moore made his home. Moore lived in Hoglands with his family for nearly half a century and created his extraordinary sculptures, prints and drawings in the various studios within the grounds. In 1977 Perry Green became the headquarters of the Henry Moore Foundation.

Visitors to Henry Moore Studios & Gardens can experience Moore’s home and studios and enjoy his monumental bronze sculptures sited in the natural environment as he preferred.

4. Grants

Our grants programme continues Moore’s legacy by supporting the growth and development of sculpture (historical, modern and contemporary) and through funding research that expands the appreciation of sculpture.

5. Principal Aims of the Role

To curate and deliver the Henry Moore Institute’s research programme, including public talks, events, conferences, fellowships and collaborative research activities. Working closely with the Head of Henry Moore Institute and colleagues across the Institute, the Research Curator supports the scholarly profile of the Institute and contributes to its role as the UK’s leading specialist organisation for the study and presentation of sculpture.

The role develops and maintains academic and research partnerships in Yorkshire, nationally and internationally, creating opportunities for exchange between artists, scholars, researchers, students and public audiences, and ensuring that research activity supports and complements the Institute’s exhibitions, collections and wider programme.

6. Job Description

Programme and research activity

Support the Head of Henry Moore Institute in the development and delivery of the Institute’s scholarly programme and research activity.

Devise and deliver a public programme of scholarly research activities that supports and complements the exhibitions programme and enriches the Foundation’s artistic and academic ambitions.

Develop and manage talks, events, conferences, seminars, study days, research projects and other research-led activities.

Create opportunities for exchange between artists, academics, researchers, students and public audiences.

Work closely with colleagues across exhibitions, collections, library and archive, learning, digital and communications to ensure research activity is integrated across the Institute’s programme.

Fellowships and partnerships

Deliver the Institute’s research fellowship programme, including overseeing coordination, communication, support for fellows and integration with the wider programme.

Identify, develop and maintain relationships with academic and research partners in Yorkshire, nationally and internationally.

Support collaborative projects that extend and advance the study of sculpture.

Maintain academic networks and represent the Henry Moore Foundation in relevant professional, scholarly and sector contexts.

Communications, fundraising and evaluation

Contribute copy and research content for marketing, social media, print and web platforms, including web-based research materials.

Input into fundraising strategy for the wider programme and help prepare content for funding applications, specifically identifying and pursuing funds for research programme activities.

Contribute to the review and evaluation of research activity, including audience engagement and programme impact.

Management and administration

Manage budgets allocated by the Head of Henry Moore Institute.

Contribute to written reports for Trustee Board meetings and Committee meetings as required.

Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.

The Research Curator reports to the Head of Henry Moore Institute.

'Fragment and Form' at Henry Moore Institute 2025; Dominique White's 'The Domination of Nothing' 2023 and Mónica Mays' 'Shadow Boxes' 2024-25. Photo: Rob Harris.

7. Person Specification Essential

A postgraduate degree in art history, visual culture, museum studies or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, with a demonstrable interest in sculpture.

Experience working in an academic, research, museum, gallery or cultural institution context.

Experience of devising and delivering public events, conferences, seminars or research-led programmes.

Ability to engage confidently with scholarly research and academic discourse.

Knowledge of sculpture across different periods, practices, materials or cultural contexts.

Experience of managing people, freelancers or project teams.

Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and writing for specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, external partners and professionals, and to build positive working relationships.

Ability to understand the needs of different audiences, including academics, artists, students and general visitors, and to develop programmes that connect with them.

Diplomatic and highly organised, with excellent project management skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines and prioritise workload.

A pragmatic problem-solver who remains calm under pressure.

Proven ability to manage budgets and other resources.

Knowledge of effective review and evaluation processes.

Competent and confident in using Microsoft Office.

Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Desirable

Experience of working with collections, archives or libraries.

Experience of developing academic partnerships or collaborative research projects.

Experience of contributing to funding applications.

Existing national or international networks in the academic, museum or cultural sectors.

Additionally, we expect all employees at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens to share and work to our core values:

▪ Generous & Inclusive: work together, share across teams, nurture relationships and enable others.

▪ Respect & Value: respect differences, be ethical, listen to others and acknowledge effort.

▪ Visionary & Creative: forward thinking, enthusiastic, keep learning, inspire and engage others.

8. Line Management

The Research Curator reports to the Head of Henry Moore Institute.

The Research Curator manages the following personnel:

Research Coordinator, 28 hours per week

AV Technical Coordinator, 28 hours per week

Postdoctoral Researcher, 28 hours per week

9. Basic Terms and Conditions

▪ This is a full time fixed term position of one year, ending no later than 30 September 2027.

The normal working week is 35 hours, though a 28 hour/four-day week option would be considered on a pro rata salary. Please make such a request clear in your written application.

Out-of-hours attendance at events associated with the programme will frequently be required; time off in lieu may be requested for these hours.

▪ The salary offered for this position is £43,000 - £45,000 per annum.

25 days paid leave per annum plus the 8 bank holidays in England. In addition, you will also receive up to 3 additional days at the discretion of management between Christmas and New Year when the Foundation’s offices are closed. Leave must be taken within the term of the contract

New eligible employees will be auto-enrolled into the Foundation’s Nest Pension Scheme into which the Employee is required to contribute 5% and the Employer will contribute 3%. All employees are advised to make contributions into a pension scheme. You may opt out if you chose to do so. Further details will be given to appointed candidates.

▪ Probationary period of 4 months.

▪ Notice period of one calendar month; or one week during the probationary period.

▪ The place of work is the Henry Moore Institute, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH – which is served by good bus routes and only a 7 minute walk from Leeds Railway Station.

The selected candidate will be required to provide a passport and proof of address or other evidence to show that they are eligible to work in the UK.

The selected candidate will be required to undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before permanent employment will be confirmed. Employment will not be unreasonably withheld, but if the DBS check discloses any findings that are relevant to the employment and which were not declared on the job application form or at the time of an offer of employment, then this may result in the withdrawal of an offer of employment.

10. Staff Benefits

We want each of our employees to be able to perform at their very best and we will work closely with you to agree some clear performance goals, which provide you with continual development. We support you on your development at work and your career goals.

▪ If appropriate for the job role, a proportion of homeworking may be considered, subject to our Hybrid Homeworking Policy.

▪ Enhanced benefits for maternity, paternity and adoption pay.

Time off for family emergencies (unpaid) and compassionate leave (paid) is awarded in the unfortunate event of the death of a direct family member.

▪ Company sick pay (includes SSP) on the completion of 6 months’ service.

Income Protection insurance covers you should you be unable to work beyond the duration of your Company sick pay (subject to HMF terms and conditions and acceptance onto the scheme by the insurers).

▪ Vouchers for a free eyesight test for DSE (Display Screen Equipment) users.

▪ Interest-free loan of up to £1,000 to assist with the purchase of annual travel tickets, a car or bicycle.

▪ 20% Discount in the HMF book/gift shops.

The opportunity to work in a vibrant, city centre location a short walk from shops, coffee bars and other amenities.

11. Application Process

If you are interested in this position and, having read the job specification, you have the credentials to meet the requirements of the role, we would be delighted to receive an application from you. Please apply using the application form supplied. When completing the form it would be helpful if you could address the points in the person specification and tell us about any gaps in your employment history. Thank you.

Further information about the Henry Moore Institute is available at our website: https://henrymoore.org/henry-moore-institute/

Please return your completed application form (no CVs please) to the HR team at recruitment@henry-moore.org by 9am, Monday 27 July 2026.