Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (Eastern)
Job share: 3 days per week Monday - Wednesday only, 21.6 hours
Permanent contract
Occasional WFH option £48,568 per annum (£29,140 pro rata) Application deadline: 12pm (midday) 16
About the role
The British Museum is hiring a Head of Pictorial Art Conservation, to manage a team of Eastern Art on paper and silk conservators. You will provide strategic and operational leadership for a highly skilled team of conservators, setting professional standards and shaping the future direction of conservation practice in this field.
Working closely with the Head of Conservation and your job‑share counterpart, you will play a key role in the planning and delivery of the Museum’s conservation strategy, public programme, commercial activities and major long‑term projects. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the world’s most respected specialist conservation teams, caring for the Museum’s outstanding collections of Asian art.
About you
This role combines hands‑on conservation expertise, people leadership, and organisational influence. We are looking for a recognised authority in the conservation of paper and pictorial art materials, with an established national or international reputation and a strong record of professional practice, research and publication.
You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape best practice, support colleagues to excel, and contribute to the long‑term care, understanding and visibility of world‑class collections.
Key areas of responsibility
The role focuses on the work of the Hirayama Studio. You will work with a team of international colleagues based at the studio who use a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology to conserve East Asian art. You will also:
- Lead and deliver the operational plan for Eastern art on paper and silk conservation in line with Museum strategies and objectives
- Jointly manage the paper conservation team in partnership with the job‑share colleague, ensuring high‑quality outputs and effective prioritisation
- Set and uphold the highest professional, ethical and technical standards of conservation practice, documentation and compliance
- Recruit, lead and develop a specialist team of conservators, including succession planning, training and placements
- Manage resources, budgets and external engagement, contributing to commercial income and representing the Museum nationally and internationally
Benefits
- Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
- Generous Leave:25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension:Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks:Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support:Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing:Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras:Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
*We are sorry to say that we cannot offer Sponsorship for this role.*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Conservator: Exhibitions Full-time, Hybrid (at least 3 days per week on-site) Fixed-term (until December 2027) £39,105 per annum Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Tuesday, 17 February 2026
About the role
The British Museum is seeking an experienced Conservator to play a leading role in the preventive care of one of the world’s most significant collections. This is a specialist post with a strong focus on exhibitions, loans and international touring, supporting the Museum’s ambitious exhibition programme and long-term strategic priorities. The role combines strategic oversight, technical expertise and people leadership, and will contribute to the delivery of the Museum’s Masterplan and capital projects.
This is a rare opportunity to work at a world-leading museum during a period of significant transformation. You’ll contribute to high-profile exhibitions and international collaborations, work alongside expert colleagues across disciplines, and help shape best practice in preventive conservation for years to come.
Key areas of responsibility
- Lead in the coordination of preventive conservation activities for exhibitions, loans and touring projects, ensuring delivery to time and budget
- Lead on the care of the collection through on environment (temperature, relative humidity, light and pollutants), and support Integrated Pest Management
- Independently assess the condition of collections and contribute to the preventative conservation of collections made of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials by proposing environmental management solutions for long-term preservation
- Solve complex conservation challenges related to exhibition delivery, using professional judgement, innovation and adaptability
- Collaborate with and influence colleagues and stakeholders on collection care and conservation matters
- Support and advise partner institutions in the UK and internationally on collection care standards
- Line manage and mentor staff, aligning individual objectives with departmental and organisational priorities
- Review and improve processes and procedures to ensure best practice in safeguarding the collection
- Ensure compliance with current health and safety legislation
- Contribute to exhibition de-install processes, evaluation and lessons learned
- Contribute to funding bids, outreach activities, public speaking and professional publishing
About you
- A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent experience) and working towards PACR accreditation
- Excellent knowledge of contemporary preventive conservation principles and practice
- Practical experience of exhibition and display-related conservation activities
- Strong understanding of conservation theory, ethical decision making and health and safety requirements
- Proven ability to manage projects, solve problems and make sound professional judgements
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to motivate and influence, collaborate with and present to a range of audiences
- Ideally, you will have experience of working on complex projects and of exhibition design and build
- Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
- Generous Leave:25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension:Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks:Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support:Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing:Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras:Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Conservator: Masterplan Full-time, On-site Fixed-term (until December 2027) £39,105 per annum Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Monday, 16 February 2026
About the role
The British Museum is embarking on a transformational Masterplan programme — an ambitious, long‑term redevelopment of our galleries and collection spaces. We are seeking an experienced Conservator: Masterplan to play a central role in safeguarding our collection during a major large‑object decant and associated critical projects.
In this role, you will lead and deliver on the conservation of a range of objects, with a particular focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaic objects, ensuring the highest standards of care throughout a period of significant change. Conservation work area supervision and line management are especially integral aspects of this role.
This is a brand-new conservation team who will contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive cultural heritage redevelopment programmes. This is an exciting opportunity for a flexible, creative and innovative individual.
Key areas of responsibility
- Carry out practical conservation of stone, wall paintings and mosaic objects.
- Coordinate conservation workflow across teams to ensure timely project delivery. Working closely with the Conservation Senior Management Team.
- Line manage and develop Conservators within your team, as well as motivating and developing other staff.
- Work closely with stakeholders including Senior Management, Collections Management, Curatorial teams and project stakeholders to provide expert advice.
- Maintain and improve conservation procedures and processes, as well as new preventative conservation measures as appropriate, relating to the safeguarding of the collection.
- Contribute to outreach through public speaking, publishing and advocacy for the Museum.
- Prepare funding bids, tender documents and support income‑generating initiatives.
About you
- A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent) with an emphasis on stone, wall paintings and mosaics conservation. Ideally, you will also have post-graduate training in conservation leading to specialism relevant to the project and have or be working towards PACR accreditation.
- Strong practical experience in conserving stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
- Experience working on complex, large‑scale projects.
- Post qualification experience of working in the heritage sector, ideally with experience of working with a large collection.
- Understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration.
- Demonstrable knowledge of contemporary principles, conservation theory and ethical decision‑making.
- Staff management experience and ability to lead, motivate and develop teams, including delivering training.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- Strong communication skills, with experience presenting to public and professional audiences.
- Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
- Generous Leave:25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension:Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks:Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support:Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing:Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras:Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
Interviews are expected to take place on 3 March 2026.
*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants
Assistant Collection Manager: Storage and Moves (Large Objects)
Full-time 41 hours per week, on-site everyday
Fixed-term contract to 31 st December 2027
£29,642 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 23rd February 2026
About the role
As an Assistant Collection Manager, you will play a hands‑on technical role supporting the preparation and movement of objects, with a focus on large 3D objects, as part of major collection move projects. The role is central to ensuring that objects are handled, packed, transported and rehoused safely, following best practice in collections care and preservation.
You will help maintain object security, condition and documentation, working across busy project environments at the Museum’s Bloomsbury site and occasionally at off‑site stores. The role requires flexibility, problem‑solving and the ability to work effectively within a team delivering work under time pressure.
Key areas of responsibility
- Facilitate the movement, packing and rehousing of large 3D objects, ensuring safe handling.
- Monitor object security and condition, maintaining them safely in storage and in transit.
- Maintain and update essential object documentation, including locations, tracking information and photography, ensuring accuracy for audit.
- Create condition reports and undertake condition photography, supporting accurate recording during moves and storage.
- Support wider project activity assisting with collections audits, following Health & Safety standards and representing the Museum professionally.
About you
We are looking for someone who brings strong manual dexterity and a practical appreciation of museum objects and materials. You will enjoy hands‑on, technical work and feel comfortable working in physically demanding environments, including lifting, moving and handling large 3D objects.
You will be self‑motivated, able to work well within a team as well as independently, and adaptable to changing project needs or cross‑departmental work. We are also looking for someone who can follow best‑practice procedures, maintain accurate documentation, and approach every task with care, attention to detail and a flexible, problem‑solving mindset.
- Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
- Generous Leave:25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension:Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks:Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support:Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing:Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras:Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Events Assistant Full-time 41 hours per week
5 days on-site Permanent contract £29,642 per annum Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 23
About the role
This role provides essential administrative and operational support to the British Museum’s Events team, helping deliver everything from small internal activities to large‑scale, high‑profile events. You will manage RSVPs, produce event communications, coordinate with colleagues across the Museum, and take responsibility for organising and running Early Morning Views — including all preparation, staffing and on‑the‑day delivery.
Key areas of responsibility
- Provide administrative and operational support to the Events team, including managing RSVPs, preparing paperwork, and communication across departments.
- Organise and deliver Early Morning Views, overseeing invitations, staffing, briefings, on‑the‑day coordination, guest management and follow‑up documentation.
- Manage invitation processes using Microsoft Power Automate, Adestra and Raiser’s Edge, ensuring all communications are accurate, on‑brand and GDPR‑compliant.
- Support large‑scale internal and external events, coordinating registration desks, liaising with colleagues and host staff, and assisting Event Managers and Coordinators.
- Maintain diary, financial and departmental administration, including booking approvals, inbox management, processing payments, minute‑taking and acting as a key point of contact for general enquiries.
About you
We are looking for someone who brings strong administrative skills, accuracy and confidence working in a fast‑paced environment. You will be a clear communicator who can liaise with a wide range of colleagues and guests, manage multiple tasks at once, and maintain professionalism at all times. We are looking for someone who enjoys supporting events, can learn systems quickly, and brings flexibility, organisation and attention to detail to a busy and varied workload.
- Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
- Generous Leave:25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension:Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks:Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support:Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing:Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras:Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Modern Workplace Analyst Full-time, Hybrid (at least 3-4 days per week on-site) Fixed-term (18 months) £41,723 per annum Apply by 12pm (midday) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026
About the role
The Information Services (IS) department is hiring a Modern Workplace Analyst to deliver and maintain modern workplace enterprise-wide solutions that support around 1,000 staff and millions of visitors.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the Museum’s IT services remain secure, efficient, and aligned with evolving technologies by managing device and software solutions, supporting operational systems, and contributing to projects that enhance user experience. You will also engage with emerging technologies, mentor colleagues, and ensure compliance with ITIL processes and security best practices.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact by driving technology change and innovation within a world-class institution.
Key areas of responsibility
- Maintain and develop modern workplace technology roadmaps.
- Deliver new workplace technologies and software services.
- Provide Microsoft 365 operational support for core systems, including ERP, retail, and digital asset management.
- Monitor system performance, produce reports, and recommend improvements.
- Ensure compliance with security, continuity, and disaster recovery requirements.
- Manage software licenses and vendor relationships.
- Participate in change control and system architecture processes.
About you
- Experience in license management, end-user device deployment, and ITIL service delivery, ideally with Microsoft accreditations such as MCSE and ITIL certification.
- Strong technical skills in Active Directory, GPOs, PowerShell scripting, and Entra.
- Excellent documentation and communication skills.
- Experienced in managing 3rdparty suppliers and vendors in delivering application services.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Experience with Microsoft 365 (Intune, Teams, SharePoint), cloud PAAS, and enterprise applications.
- Ideally with knowledge of museum or cultural sector systems.
- Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
- Generous Leave:25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension:Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks:Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support:Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing:Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras:Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants
Cyber Security Analyst Full-time, Hybrid (at least 3-4 days per week on-site) Fixed-term for 18 months £41,723 per annum Apply by 12pm (midday) on Tuesday, 3 March 2026
About the role
The Information Services (IS) department is hiring a Cyber Security Analyst to help develop and maintain the British Museum’s Cyber Security capability to ensure the Museum remains cyber secure and achieves the required accreditations.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Team Lead to monitor, detect and respond to security threats, manage vulnerabilities and support incident response processes. They will play a key role in safeguarding the Museum’s systems and data while contributing to the continuous improvement of security operations.
Key areas of responsibility
- Monitor and detect potential cyber security breaches using configured tools and scripts.
- Follow established procedures for running detection tools and scripts, reviewing outputs and suspicious activity and documenting any steps taken in incident management systems.
- Maintain accurate logs and document incident response actions.
- Assess and communicate critical vulnerabilities to technical teams.
- Monitor network defence tools and escalate complex findings.
- Respond to alerts within defined SLAs and participate in post-incident reviews.
- Support improvements to detection and response processes.
About you
- Degree in Computer Science or equivalent.
- Understanding of Windows client, networking & Wi-Fi, end-point protection, and firewalls.
- Ideally, you will also have an understanding of Windows serves, IAAS, PAAS (Azure especially) and Web-hosting technology
- Strong analytical and organisational skills with attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
- Generous Leave:25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension:Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks:Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support:Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing:Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras:Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants