Curator: Island Southeast Asia

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. You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery.

The role: As a Curator for Island Southeast Asia, you will undertake research into and make publicly accessible the Island SE Asia collections in support of the Museum Operating Plan and all relevant Museum strategies and developments. The specialist will focus on documenting and digitising the collection and will engage with embassies, communities, museum supporters, and other networks. Key areas of responsibility include raising money to support research projects on the Island Southeast Asian collection, making the collection and knowledge about it publicly accessible via publication, digitally, through display, and by broadcasting, leading on upgrading the documentation of the collection, and supporting on improving the future display of the collection both on and off-site. You will also work as a team member with colleagues within and beyond the department and do some departmental administrative work, collaborate with other institutions or groups, and develop or ensure good relations with relevant stakeholders, and assist in the general day-to-day running of the department, such as assisting with enquiries from the public.

Job requirements: The ideal candidate will have a BA/BSc (or equivalent) in relevant subjects such as South East Asian art history or South East Asian history with a focus on material culture. Experience of research, fieldwork and publication on Island Southeast Asian topics is required. Some experience of working with a collection of Island Southeast Asian material and some experience of management issues (people, projects, budgets) are also necessary. Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are essential.

Benefits: The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including a 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, and discounts on food and gift shop purchases.