Salary: £48,982 – £54,607 per annum
Location: London
Full time
Permanent
£48,982 – £54,607 per annum
Application deadline: 12 midday on Monday 10 February 2020
Can you help to transform the research infrastructure of one of the world’s leading cultural institutions for the 21st century? It’s an exciting challenge and this newly-created role is your opportunity to take it on.
Founded in 1753, the British Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums. Our collection is the most comprehensive survey in existence of the material cultures of humanity over two million years. We are a leading research institution, having gained Independent Research Organisation status from the Arts and Humanities Research Council in 2006. Since then we have brought in over £25m to support research into the collection from both public and private external funding bodies in Britain, Europe and America; research usually carried out in collaboration with university partners. The Museum has also been the largest supporter of the AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Award scheme. The Museum’s Trustee Research Committee is chaired by Sir Paul Nurse.
The Museum’s remarkable research resources include archive holdings documenting the rich history of the institution and collection, and an outstanding library collection, a quarter of which is unique within the UK. These resources, historically managed on a departmental basis, have recently been brought together into a single, unified service.
Our developing masterplan provides the opportunity for a comprehensive, organisation-wide approach to the future of our research infrastructure. You will provide a focus for our thinking around the prioritisation and resourcing of the Museum’s research programme, and the corresponding development and reorganisation of our research resources, both physical and digital. The potential to transform the way in which internal and external researchers understand and make use of our collection and resources is immense.
Key areas of responsibility:
Working closely with the Deputy Director (Collection and Public Engagement), the Head of Research, and the curatorial and research departments, you will support the effective management of an ambitious and complex research programme, ensuring that the essential administrative, governance and control structures are in place to deliver the Museum’s Research Strategy and masterplan objectives.
You will be responsible for the operation and strategic development of the Museum’s rich research resources and support services, contributing to the development of the Museum’s digital research infrastructure, and long-term plans for the future of the Museum’s estate in the areas of research resources and facilities.
Person specification
The ideal candidate will have experience of developing and implementing strategies in the culture or heritage sector, along with a track record of managing major, funded research projects or programmes to time and budget. Excellent spoken and written communication skills, and the ability to tailor complex information for different audiences are essential. The successful post-holder will have the confidence to inspire positive stakeholder engagement with major change projects, and manage with an inclusive and consultative style.
