Location: Remote: Applicants can be based anywhere in the UK and will need to travel for events
Fee: £4,500 (paid in instalments), plus agreed expenses for travel and overnight accommodation for events
Contract Type: Freelance
Duration: 18 months, January 2026 – July 2027
Closing Date: Monday 10am GMT, 3 November 2025
Interview Date: w/c 24 November 2025
Start Date: Ideally mid-January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
About the Role
Are you a researcher hoping to establish a career in the field of British art and architecture? Would you like the opportunity to foster a supportive peer-to-peer network and help shape the future of British art studies?
The Paul Mellon Centre (PMC) is looking to appoint an energetic, resourceful and collegiate emerging researcher to lead its newly consolidated network of Emerging Researchers in British Art in 2026–27.
Why This Role? Why Now?
This convenorship role coincides with an exciting step forward for the PMC’s Networks as we consolidate our previous Early Career Researchers and Doctoral Researchers Networks. Reflecting the change and expansion of the field of British art studies, we are keen to develop our Network as a community encompassing a diversity of researcher practices and trajectories. This remodelled network of Emerging Researchers in British Art is intended to create a sense of community among these new and emerging researchers in the field of British art, develop members’ skills and personal networks and help surface change and innovation in the field of British art studies, as defined by the researchers and practitioners who are doing the work now.
This eighteen-month convenorship will involve putting together original and stimulating research events and activities, such as roundtables or panel events, and gallery and site visits, and supporting vocational activities such as workshops on publishing and copywriting.
The Convenor will lead the way in the first round of programming for the Network, collaborating with the Networks team as we grow this new vision at the PMC.
Who We Are
The PMC is an educational charity that champions new ways of understanding British art history and culture. Through all areas of our work, we promote activities that enhance and expand knowledge of British art and architecture. We believe the inclusion of voices, narratives and experiences that have been marginalised or excluded in the past will have a transformational impact on the future of the Centre and upon British art studies in a broader sense. Reflecting these commitments, the Centre supports two Networks, the newly consolidated Emerging Researchers in British Art, and the British Art Network (BAN) co-organised with Tate, and together these aim to foster an inclusive sense of community in the field of British art studies and stimulate new research, thinking and engagement.
Who We Need
This convenorship would suit someone who:
- is passionate about supporting and creating inclusive environments and opportunities for emerging researchers
- is enthusiastic about current debates in art histories, and of wider intellectual issues shaping the field of art and architectural history and visual culture more broadly
- has a good understanding of current research cultures, within the academy and beyond
- is curious, collaborative and open minded
You do not need to tick every box – if you think you would be a great fit and are excited by the role, we would love to hear from you.
You are welcome to apply as an individual or a collaborating pair of individuals, sharing the workload and the fee if the latter case.
The fee is based on an expectation that the Convenor will deliver a programme of research and skills-based events for the Network, plus attendance at activities and events. Applicants in employment are encouraged to secure a letter of support indicating that their employer will consider the time commitment involved as part of their work for the organisation.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the online application form which can be found here:
https://thepaulmelloncentre.hrpartner.io/jobs
If you have any issues accessing the form, require adjustments during the recruitment process or have any questions about the role, please get in touch with our HR team at recruitment@paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk
The full job description and person specification are available in the downloads section.
What to Expect
We know applying for jobs can be time consuming, so we aim to keep our process straightforward and respectful of your time. We will review all applications after the closing date and contact shortlisted candidates within two weeks where possible.
If you are invited to interview, we will send you a detailed interview pack in advance. This will include everything you need to know about the process, including:
- what to expect on the day
- accessibility and adjustments
- the interview format and who you will meet
- any preparation needed
