About the Position
We are a renowned visitor attraction and leading science research center, leveraging the Museum’s extensive collections and expertise to address global challenges. We manage over 80 million objects spanning billions of years and receive more than five million annual visitors and 16 million website visits.
Our Relevance Today
The Museum is more influential than ever. We aim to bring in diverse talent to explore the world from fresh perspectives and innovate. We employ 900 staff, all driven by a shared vision for a thriving planet and people.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our vision is a future where both people and the planet prosper. Diversity is a core value, and we work towards fostering a workplace where everyone feels they belong.
About the Role
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to an arts and humanities research review within NHM collections. The goal is to identify untapped research opportunities and eliminate barriers for disciplines not traditionally supported by the collections.
Project Objectives
This short-term project falls under NHM’s Collections and Culture research theme, integrating arts and humanities perspectives into the museum’s collections. The postdoctoral researcher will coordinate and contribute to a scoping review, employing surveys and interviews, culminating in a co-authored journal publication.
Responsibilities
- Conduct literature reviews on natural historical collections for arts & humanities research.
- Create and administer surveys and interviews on NHM collections’ use for arts & humanities research.
- Analyze survey and interview responses using quantitative and qualitative data.
- Coordinate project team meetings and one European research trip.
- Lead a co-authored publication and internal project report.
Qualifications and Skills
- Qualifications: PhD in arts, humanities, or social sciences (essential); equivalent research experience considered.
- Skills: Excellent communication (verbal and written), computer proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint), organizational skills, teamwork.
- Experience: Conducting and publishing research, using interviews (essential) and surveys (desirable).
- Knowledge: Discipline-specific and cross-disciplinary collections-based research understanding.
- Curiosity: Cultural approaches to environmental issues and solutions.
Thriving at the Museum: The Way We Work
Our shared ambition is embodied by qualities such as ambition, curiosity, collaboration, pioneering spirit, and acting with speed. These principles align with the Museum’s values and guide our work.
What We Offer
- 27.5 days of holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full-time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 – 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle, and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to exhibitions and other paid exhibitions in London and the UK
- Staff discounts at Museum shops and cafes
- Various training initiatives to enhance skills
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council, offering numerous benefits
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), providing access to our in-house gym and clubs.
How to Apply
If this opportunity aligns with your qualifications and interests, please apply online via the Natural History Museum’s careers portal at link.
Application Deadline: 9 am, Monday, October 2, 2023.
Interviews Expected: Week commencing October 16, 2023.
Salary: £41,140 per annum.
Note: This role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship; the successful postholder must have a valid right to work in the UK at the offer point.
