Curator: European Deep History (6000–800 BCE)

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Institution: British Museum
Location: Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Hours: 41 hours per week
Salary: £44,719 per annum
Deadline: 15 July 2026

The British Museum is seeking a Curator: European Deep History (6000–800 BCE) to join the Department of Britain, Europe and Prehistory. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to the research, interpretation, and development of one of Europe’s most significant collections of prehistoric material culture.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in shaping scholarship, public engagement, and collections management relating to European archaeology from approximately 6000–800 BCE. The collection includes lithics, pottery, organic materials, and metal artefacts, and the role combines research excellence with responsibilities in documentation, digitisation, display development, and public interpretation.

The position forms part of the British Museum’s wider Masterplan, a major institutional transformation programme encompassing gallery redevelopment, collections accessibility, and new approaches to audience engagement. Working collaboratively across departments, the curator will contribute to the future presentation and understanding of European deep history within an international museum context.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the research, interpretation, and development of the European Deep History collection.
Oversee documentation and digitisation programmes for artefacts dating from 6000–800 BCE across multiple museum sites.
Contribute to the planning and delivery of major gallery redisplays as part of the Museum’s Masterplan.
Initiate and develop externally funded research projects and institutional partnerships.
Lead and support curatorial, research, and digitisation teams.
Advise on acquisitions, loans, Treasure cases, Portable Antiquities matters, and Export Licence processes.
Develop exhibitions, publications, public programmes, and outreach initiatives.
Ensure collections are accessible, accurately documented, and interpreted for diverse audiences.

Requirements

Degree in Archaeology; a completed or ongoing PhD is desirable.
Recognised expertise in European archaeology and material culture dating from 6000–800 BCE.
Strong publication record demonstrating research excellence.
Experience within museum curation, academia, or archaeological practice.
Experience delivering research projects, exhibitions, or public engagement initiatives.
Knowledge of collections documentation, digitisation, and interpretation.
Experience leading projects and working across interdisciplinary teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Fluency in English and knowledge of at least one additional European language.
Ability to develop innovative approaches to audience engagement and collections interpretation.