Head of Research – Victoria and Albert Museum

Deadline:  October 17,  2013.

The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design. We enrich people’s lives by promoting creative practice and increasing public knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the designed world.

From our building in South Kensington, London, the V&A Research Department facilitates, promotes and conducts research across all areas of the Museum’s work, from collections and conservation to publications. With the Royal College of Art, the department delivers the respected V&A/RCA Postgraduate Programme in the History of Design.

As the Head of Research, you will lead a constantly evolving department of permanent staff, seconded V&A staff working on research projects and exhibitions, visiting fellows and exchange scholars, and doctoral students. You will build on the reputation and achievements of the department to develop project-based research within the Museum. You will enhance the V&A’s reputation for excellence in scholarship and research and you will guide an ambitious programme of applications to foundations and grant-giving bodies. You will also play a central and vital role in setting the Museum’s strategy and public programme.

You will have a strong national and international reputation for scholarship in a field relevant to the collections and activities of the V&A. You will have the confidence and experience necessary to represent the Museum effectively, and to provide strategic leadership for the department.

Although this is a permanent position, the Museum will welcome applications from those wishing to arrange a five-year secondment from their present employers.

For further details and information on how to apply please visit http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/jobs/apply/