Institution: Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom (hybrid – home working available at least one day per week)
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term (5 years)
Salary: From £56,623 per annum (Grade 9)
Application Deadline: 22 June 2026, 12:00 BST
Interview Date: 10 July 2026
The Ashmolean Museum is seeking a Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art to lead the development, interpretation, research, and presentation of post-1945 collections within its Western Art Department.
As the curatorial lead for the museum’s experimental contemporary art space, the successful candidate will work closely with artists and colleagues across the institution to deliver an ambitious programme of exhibitions, research, teaching, and public engagement.
About the Role
The Curator will be responsible for shaping the museum’s modern and contemporary art collections while contributing to the Ashmolean’s wider research, teaching, and public-facing activities.
The role combines curatorial leadership, exhibition development, collection stewardship, academic research, and collaboration with artists, students, and university departments.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and interpretation of post-1945 collections within the Western Art Department
- Act as curatorial lead for the museum’s contemporary art space and programme
- Develop exhibitions and collection displays focused on modern and contemporary art
- Work directly with contemporary artists on commissions, projects, and exhibitions
- Conduct and publish original research
- Contribute to university teaching, lectures, talks, and public programmes
- Support collections care, conservation, digitisation, and documentation initiatives
- Collaborate across museum departments and university faculties
- Support interns, volunteers, students, and emerging professionals
Candidate Profile
- Postgraduate degree in modern and/or contemporary art
- Significant curatorial experience within a museum or gallery environment
- Expertise in exhibitions, collections development, and the presentation of modern and contemporary art
- Experience working directly with contemporary artists
- Strong research and publication record
- Ability to engage both specialist and general audiences
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills
- Ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships
- Experience supporting students, interns, volunteers, or early-career practitioners
Benefits
- Excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Comprehensive childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and season ticket loans
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
