Research Assistant: X-ray Imaging (Lewis Chess Pieces)

The role: The post holder will acquire, and process X-ray CT scans of the Lewis chess pieces and associated objects in the British Museum collection, enhancing their understanding, as part of a wider interdisciplinary project on the pieces including microscopy, radiocarbon dating, stable isotope and ancient DNA analyses, historical study and conservation. The research will be carried out within the framework of the newly funded project Rethinking the Lewis Chess Pieces in the North Sea and Arctic World. The aim of the project is to study the iconic chess pieces and associated objects curated at the British Museum, crafted from walrus ivory and sperm whale tooth, improving their analysis, documentation, interpretation and conservation by bringing together curatorial, scientific and collection care expertise.

Job requirements: A strong and relevant science background. Experience in conducting X-ray CT scanning experiments using a micro-CT scanner or similar. Experience in the use of image visualisation and analysis tools for the CT reconstruction, interpretation and presentation of volumetric data. Experience of research. Good problem solving and organisational capabilities with some experience of supervision/training and project management. Open, effective communicator with good spoken and written English. Ability to work as part of a team.

Benefits: Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays. Membership of the civil service defined benefit 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. Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans. Professional and personal development opportunities. Employee Assistance Programme. Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.

Applications details: For more information about this role, please see the job description. If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to [email removed - click apply for more details]. We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations. Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest.

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 a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chess Pieces. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.