Researcher, Curatorial

Researcher, Curatorial

Organisation: White Cube
Location: Bermondsey, London, UK
Employment type: Permanent, full-time
Working arrangement: On-site
Working hours: Monday–Friday, 10 am–6 pm, with additional hours as required
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience
Application deadline: 7 August 2026, 5 pm

Role Overview

White Cube is seeking a Curatorial Researcher to coordinate the gallery’s Research & Development activities.

The successful candidate will schedule and chair meetings, conduct and support artist research, compile in-depth presentations, prepare and distribute meeting minutes, and maintain comprehensive records of research undertaken. They will also write concise texts about artworks not covered by the Editorial team.

The ideal candidate will have strong curatorial writing and research skills, meticulous attention to detail, an ability to distil complex material into clear presentations, and an understanding of contemporary art and current art-market trends.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Development

• Schedule and chair monthly Research & Development and Senior Artist Engagement meetings with relevant Senior Directors and Directors.
• Provide research support for internal meetings and prepare in-depth PDF and PowerPoint presentations for circulation in advance.
• Create research folios combining selected texts and images for external scholars and freelance writers.
• Maintain comprehensive records of every artist discussed, including details of their CV, previous consideration and meeting outcomes.
• Write and distribute meeting minutes promptly.
• Arrange studio visits and appointments as directed.

Writing and Editorial

• Write accurate and persuasive précis texts for individual artworks, communicating their relevance and historical and market significance.
• Conduct in-depth research into the exhibition histories and literature surrounding historic artworks.
• Proofread and edit précis drafted by other members of the Curatorial team.
• Provide ad hoc writing support to Artist Coordinators.
• Follow White Cube’s house style, tone of voice and formatting.
• Draft sales offer letters for upcoming gallery exhibitions.
• Update short artist biographies, CVs and bibliographies across printed and digital materials.
• Edit website texts and press releases.

General Responsibilities

• Research current art-market trends.
• Attend relevant external exhibitions and artist presentations where possible.
• Oversee a weekly newsletter tailored to the Research & Development team.
• Attend weekly Sales and Artist Liaison meetings as requested.
• Undertake other appropriate duties assigned by the Artist Liaison, Sales Liaison or Director of Curatorial Business Management.

Required Experience and Skills

• A bachelor’s degree in History of Art or another research-focused humanities subject, or equivalent professional experience.
• A strong interest in contemporary art and current art-market trends.
• Excellent collaborative and organisational skills, including the ability to coordinate across departments and senior management.
• Discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Proven writing and presentation skills.
• The ability to write original, descriptive artwork précis grounded in meticulous research and fact-checking.
• The ability to produce high-quality written work in a fast-paced environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience conducting in-depth research into artists’ CVs and sales records and presenting findings clearly and concisely.

Desired Experience

• A master’s degree in History of Art or another research-focused humanities subject.
• At least three years of experience within a leading gallery, auction house or art advisory firm.

How to Apply

Complete the application form and submit your CV and a cover letter.

Applications close on 7 August 2026 at 5 pm. White Cube reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

 

Photo: White Cube Bermondsey, by Ben Westoby