Curator: Later China

The organisation - 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 Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

The role - Curator: Later China This role involves presenting history through objects to diverse audiences. Balancing innovative research with public dissemination, and careful building of the collections through acquisitions is at the heart of this role. As well as building partnerships for the curator’s research, it is also imperative the postholder makes time for the work of other researchers to ensure maximum use of the collections.

Job requirements Applicants need to work well in a busy team environment. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in Chinese material culture and an established track-record of working with objects to deliver engaging research and public narratives. They will have had experience of working with museum professionals and other experts. The successful candidate must be proficient in both English and Chinese and possess some specialist knowledge in one or more of the following object categories within the collection: ceramics, glass, lacquer, ivory, cloisonne, gold, silver, later metalwork, textiles, basketry, weapons, and Chinese collections transferred from the former Ethnography Department.

Benefits The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including: 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 Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 18 February 2025. The interviews are expected to take place on 27 February 2025. 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].

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