Exhibition Research Assistant

Job Title: Exhibition Research Assistant
Division: Research and Collections
Department/Section: Theatre & Performance Department
Contract: Fixed term to January 2021
Reporting to: Exhibition Curator

Background
This major exhibition will offer an immersive, cross-disciplinary exploration of a popular Victorian book, celebrating its power to inspire imagination and creativity across genres and time. This will be the first exhibition which looks at the impact and influence of this text across disciplines over 150 years. The exhibition will examine the original story in its Victorian literary and social context and explore its Britishness and universal appeal, combining imaginative displays with objects and encouraging interactivity through a bold and creative exhibition experience.

There will be a major scholarly publication and a wide variety of other events accompanying the exhibition.

Purpose of job
A practically minded scholar is required to assist in the development and delivery of the exhibition and its accompanying programme of events, in particular to build and maintain good relations with lenders and other stakeholders and to carry out curatorial administration. The Research Assistant will also assist the Exhibition Curator to deliver the accompanying publication and a wide-ranging programme of events.

Main Tasks

1. Undertake a range of research tasks for the Exhibition as directed by the Exhibition Curator. This will include research on subject areas, collections, archives and objects relevant to the exhibition content and design, often working independently to drive forward exhibition research.
2. Contribute to the development of the structure, themes and content of the exhibition, developing specific research subjects as required.
3. Assist with the process of object selection, which will involve making arrangements for, and sometimes undertaking, research trips as necessary; developing and maintaining excellent relationships with lenders; preparing loan request letters for the Exhibition Curator.
4. With the Exhibition Curator, encourage debate on the exhibition subject both within and outside the Museum.
5. Undertake administrative duties, including:
   • Assisting the Exhibition Curator and Exhibitions Manager with all aspects of research, object selection, acquisition and permissions clearance for music, audio and AV material for the exhibition. Create and maintain an Excel spreadsheet for tracking permissions and copyrights for all AV material, working closely with the Rights Clearance Manager.
   • Liaising with V&A Collections and lenders on behalf of the Exhibition Curator.
   • Managing photography and conservation programmes, and (in consultation with the Exhibitions Manager) creating and maintaining the exhibition database and the electronic and hard-copy exhibition ‘bibles’.
   • For the accompanying publication, compiling bibliographies, illustration lists, object checklists, time-lines, captions, any relevant end matter, as required.
   • Undertaking picture research for the Exhibition. Creating and maintaining an Excel spreadsheet for tracking permissions and copyrights as needed for contextual images selected for the exhibition, working closely with the Rights Clearance Manager.
   • Administer and contribute to the development of interactive, interpretive material, if relevant.
   • Assisting the Exhibition Curator with the processing of exhibition related acquisitions, if relevant.
   • Assisting the Exhibition Curator and Collections colleagues with object movements, updating entries on the Collections Management System (CMS) database.
6. Work collaboratively with the exhibition designers. Assist the Exhibition Curator with aspects of briefing and provision of information to the exhibition designers (including 3D, 2D, Lighting, AV Software, experience design).
7. Assist the Exhibition Curator and Exhibitions Manager with the development of partnerships and ventures both within the V&A and with other external organisations where necessary, including academic partners and lenders, and tour venues.
8. Assist the Exhibition Curator with the programming and delivery of an events programme to coincide with the exhibition.
9. Liaise with relevant sections of the V&A on behalf of the Curator as and when necessary, including Learning, Development, Marketing, Press, Digital Media, Events and Commercial. Attend Project Team Meetings and contribute to Curatorial reviews of the development of the exhibition.
10. Conduct guided tours and give talks for VIPs including any sponsors and V&A Museum supporters, including but not exclusively at Sponsors’ Events; V&A Member’s Events; V&A Staff Events; Late View Events and V&A Patrons’ events. Occasional lecturing in relation to the exhibition.
11. Supervise volunteers working on the project, if required.
12. Be committed to health and safety and ensure familiarity with all of the Museum’s health and safety policies and procedures.
13. Be security conscious, ensure familiarity and co-operation with all Museum security procedures and ensure you wear a security pass at all times when on Museum premises.
14. Promote equality and diversity in all aspects of your work by developing and maintaining positive working relationships, ensuring that colleagues are treated fairly and with respect/dignity and actively contributing to developments that support the Museum’s strategy for widening access, inclusion and diversity.
15. Carry out ad hoc duties as requested by appropriate managers within your department.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Requirements

1. A graduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
2. Demonstrable expertise in Victorian history, and a broad knowledge and understanding of art, design, performance and popular culture in 20th century.
3. Experience of researching for and delivering a temporary exhibition or permanent display, in particular preparation of exhibition text and labels.
4. Experience of publication work, including proofing texts and editing.
5. Demonstrable understanding of exhibition making and interpretation techniques and new technologies.
6. Experience of researching museum collections and the ability to carry out research independently.
7. Sound knowledge of collections management procedures and experience of handling museum objects.
8. Experience of picture and audio visual research, including copyright clearances, and an understanding of the software production process.
9. Experience of project work and the ability to co-ordinate many aspects of the Exhibition with due attention to detail and deadlines.
10. Proven experience of building and maintaining excellent working relations with a wide range of individuals, including artists, designers, private collectors and institutional lenders.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to communicate at all levels to academic and non-academic audiences.
12. A self-motivator who can work well as part of a team and with a wide range of people.
13. Proficient in word processing and database packages such as Word, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Project and Excel. Experience of managing detailed object information on a database platform.

Desirable requirements

1. A post-graduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
2. Experience of working collaboratively with designers to deliver projects to a high standard and on budget.
3. Proficiency in another language.

OTHER INFORMATION
Hours/Salary
Net working hours (i.e. excluding meal breaks) are 36 per week.
The salary for this role will be £22,277-£24,000 per annum, dependent on experience. Salaries are reviewed on an annual basis.

Annual Leave
28 days plus 8 days public holidays

Pension benefits
You will be auto enrolled into the Museum’s Group Personal Pension Scheme and have the opportunity
on completion of Probation to an enhanced pension provision, including an employer contribution of 10%.

Other benefits
Non-contributory life assurance policy (to value of 4 x annual salary)
An interest free season ticket or bicycle loan is available after three months.
Free entrance to all the major museums and exhibitions in London as well as many others. Subsidised staff restaurant
Discounts on purchases in V&A shops

Application process:
Please apply online via the V&A’s website at www.vam.ac.uk/jobs

If you have any queries regarding the recruitment process, you can email us – contacthr@vam.ac.uk or telephone us on 020 7942 2937.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 09.00am Monday 21st January 2019. Interviews are to be held 28 and 29 January 2019.
Interview expenses will not be paid unless there is a prior agreement.