Assistant Curator, East Asia – National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Institution: National Museums Scotland
Deadline: 1 March 2026
Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week), 12-month temporary contract
Salary: £31,929–£34,549 per annum (pay award pending)
Job Reference: NMS144782
National Museums Scotland is seeking an Assistant Curator (Asia: East Asian Collections) to join its Global Arts, Cultures and Design department. The successful candidate will report to the Principal Curator in the Asia Section and contribute to the research, care, and interpretation of East Asian material culture collections.
The Assistant Curator will enhance and promote curatorial expertise relating to Asian cultures, working within a multidisciplinary organisation and engaging with external stakeholders. The role includes contributing to collections development, documentation, and public engagement, with a focus on fostering connections with diverse communities.
Key Responsibilities
-
Apply specialist knowledge to develop and improve collections documentation programmes
-
Support improvements in collections care in line with institutional best practice
-
Assist in supervising volunteers supporting curatorial work
-
Contribute to Learning & Engagement initiatives to reach diverse audiences
-
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and access policies
Candidate Profile
-
Knowledge of and enthusiasm for East Asian material culture collections
-
Proven experience (paid or unpaid) in museums or similar environments
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
Strong ICT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook)
-
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment
