£26,341 – £31,406 per year
Pitt Rivers Museum
Assistant Curator – Object Collections/Provenance.
Grade 5 £26,341 – £31,406 per year
Full time, permanent
The Pitt Rivers Museum is keen to appoint an Assistant Curator to work with the Objects Collections team on object collections management with a focus on provenance work. You will work as part of a team caring for the museum’s global object collections. The role is primarily focussed on collections provenance work regarding human remains and providing collections management support for the section. The work will include work with descendant communities across the world. The Museum recognises that many of the items in the collections were acquired in ways that are unacceptable today and that these remains and objects and their histories need further investigation to identify how we best care for them or work towards their return. The role will include significant use of the Museum’s collection management systems and documentation. You will be required to enhance this documentation and improve knowledge and understanding of the collections, working on different projects together with Head of Collections and Curator Marina de Alarcón who oversees this programme of work at the Pitt Rivers Museum. The post is a very varied one and the assistant curator will have the opportunity to contribute to the on-going work of the section, including accessioning, loans, photography, packing, moving, storage, interpretation, retrieval of objects for photography, supporting curation of displays and exhibitions and responding to public enquiries or offer some administrative support for the section.
Specific Duties:
In the first two years, the post will be split 60% collections provenance work – in particular regarding human remains – and 40% other collections-related duties.
- Under supervision of the Heads of Collections and Curators (HOCC) the post holder will gather information on provenance of individual objects or groups of objects as requested. They will provide lists, briefings and information and other documents where necessary. They will use a range of sources to gather information from both inside the Museum and externally.
- The postholder will contribute to the documentation, cataloguing, photography, retrieval and storage of new and existing collections. They will ensure that numbering, tagging and locations meet agreed standards. They will be expected to have/gain detailed knowledge of the documentation systems and methods which meet national and in- house standards. The postholder is part of the documentation group.
- The postholder will oversee and arranges external/GLAM photographers. Responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the photographic holding room including the retrieval and return of relevant objects. Ensures that new accessions are photographed and the images uploaded onto the Museum’s digital asset management system. Responsible for digital images of artefacts. This may include undertaking photography, use of images on the web, other digital media, publications and their storage.
- Under supervision of the HOCC or Deputy Head of Collections the postholder may be asked to assist with aspects of the Museum’s loan programme. This may involve object retrieval and preparation and collating and developing any relevant paperwork as required.
- The post holder will ensure that departmental supplies are ordered and maintained and will assist with the maintenance of orderly stores. Responsible for maintaining and updating the key list in liaison with the Operations section of the Museum.
- The post holder will respond to enquiries as delegated by the HOCC/Deputy Head of Collections.
- In the absence of the HOCC and Deputy Head of Collections the post holder will be responsible for supervision of volunteers and interns.
- The post holder may contribute to special exhibitions where necessary. Any other duties as discussed with the HOCC or the Museum Director.
Selection criteria Essential:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent with an interest in anthropology, archaeology or a related subject.
- Experience of information management in a museum context and the use of archival and library resources.
- Experience of working in a museum or equivalent including collections management, interpretation and documentation.
- An awareness of relevant standards and procedures is essential.
- Proven ability to work as part of a team at the same time as being able to manage and prioritise a busy workload and work to deadlines.
- Valid UK driving licence and a willingness to drive the Museum’s van.
- Proven experience of detailed record keeping, evidence of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Understanding and experience of handling and packing complex and delicate organic artefacts and familiarity with the principles of museum security, museum storage of objects, and handling of museum objects.
- Knowledge and experience of using museum databases, including creating records, amending entries, uploading images.
- Awareness of ethical issues relating to ethnographic and archaeological collections and experience of working with a broad range of stakeholders including communities of origin.
Desirable:
Knowledge of the Pitt Rivers Museum’s collection
Skilled in photography and image management
Understanding and familiarity of preventative conservation
Please apply by submitting a CV and covering letter outlining why you think you might be a good fit for the post. Please try to demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Closing date for this vacancy is noon 5 November 2021.
Interviews will take place in the week beginning 6th December.
Contact Person : Marina de Alarcon Vacancy ID : 153456
Contact Phone : Closing Date & Time : 05-Nov-2021 12:00
Contact Email : marina.dealarcon@prm.ox.ac.uk
