Job Purpose
As part of The Hunterian’s participation in the Devolving Restitution Network of UK and African museums, the postholder will be part of a team of museum staff investigating the origins and character of the collections of African material currently in The Hunterian collections. The postholder will be undertaking provenance research on selected human remains and cultural material, in order to assist the team with the preparation of reports designed to support an action-led programme of negotiation on and restitution or repatriation of problematic objects.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To assist the Devolving Restitution team in researching and investigating items in the museum database with likely origin of the targeted source countries (Ghana, S.Africa/Namibia, Egypt).
- To source documentary evidence that can help to establish proof of origins of selected human remains and cultural material, reconstruct where it comes from and how it came to the museum, as additional support for database and collections research being carried out by museum staff
- To investigate provenance and share with team members the standards, methods, procedures, guidelines and resources that support provenance research on selected human remains and cultural material
- To document the results of provenance research and update records in the collections management database and online catalogues and keep comprehensive research notes
- To share with staff knowledge of provenance research directions and findings
- To promote knowledge of selected artefacts and cultural material in the museum collection
and support efforts to make appropriate information more accessible to the public - To act as a contact point for additional information on standards, methods, procedures, guidelines and resources for provenance research
- To provide assistance with the preparation of The Hunterian’s Workshop on Human Remains in December 2021, and the final Network report due in late 2022
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 5 or 6 (National 5 or 6, Scottish Vocational Qualifications level 2 or 3) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
A2 Knowledge and experience of provenance research approaches to museum collections.
A3 Familiarity with database manipulation and use.
Desirable
B1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.
B2 Basic knowledge of museum collections management systems such as Emu.
B3 Basic Knowledge of the standards, guidelines and procedures that govern the compilation of provenance and of best practice in restitution or repatriation processes.
B4 European Computer driving licence (ECDL).
Skills
Essential
C1 Excellent administrative/research skills in respect of local, national and international subject databases, heritage databases, curatorial files and correspondence, museum and established archives in Ghana, South Africa/Namibia and/or Egypt, photographic archives, dealer and sales records, auction and exhibition catalogues, monographs, and any material with the potential to yield information on the activities of dealers, collectors and museum networks (even if not publicly available).
C2 Good research practice, with a systematic approach to collecting, organising and analysing data (both analogue and digital).
C3 Ability to organise and prioritise workload and plan ahead with minimum supervision.
C4 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
C5 Ability to demonstrate initiative, and exercise judgement to recognize, analyse and resolve problems independently.
C6 Ability to exercise sound judgment in decision-making on matters of provenance and restitution/repatriation. C7 Proficient in database tools such as Excel.
C8 Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Desirable
D1 Proficient English language writing skills.
D2 Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language, preferably French and/or German.
Experience
Essential
E1 Knowledge of relevant work or research areas, or evidence of progression of and development gained through relevant work experience without qualifications.
E2 Experience of producing reports or documents based on personal research.
E3 Experience in library research.
Desirable
F1 Experience in archival research.
Job Features
Planning and Organising
- Plan and organise workload effectively and efficiently to ensure that the various demands of this job and deadlines are met on a part-time basis
- Coordinate with team and supervisor to input into broader research where appropriate
- Update regularly with data reports/graphics
Decision Making
- Use initiative and judgement when confronted with complex or conflicting data or guidelines and consult with appropriate scholars and researchers to help resolve issues.
Internal/External Relationships
- Frequent liaison with Line Manager and project team members to gather and exchange information relating to collections
- Close work with Collections Management team to share information for input to Collections Management System
- Anticipated working relationship with both Curator of Archaeology and World Cultures (Line Manager) and Curator of Zoology and Anatomy to support the development of a restitution programme for African human remains
- Anticipated presentations to Hunterian staff on findings, as part of team information sessions.
- Support for Cross-disciplinary collaboration with UoG staff as part of the project team
- Participation in the Devolving Restitution workshop taking place in December 2021, and in the preparatory cross-sector meetings leading up to the workshop
Problem Solving
- Understand and interpret historical data to resolve issues in provenances and background information on objects
- Contribute to the resolution of issues in the documentation of the collection by marshalling evidence as needed
- Collaborate on and resolve areas of possible sensitivity with regard to human remains and project stakeholders
Other
- Draw together strands of highly specialised historical research
Confidentiality, sensitivity to nature of research
Willingness to join in team meetings and workshops
Terms & Conditions
Salary will be on the Management, Professional and Administrative Grade, level 5, £22,417 – £26,715 per annum, pro rata.
This post is offered on a part-time (10.5 hours), fixed-term, basis for 12 months.
The University would consider a secondment opportunity for this post. University of Glasgow applicants should seek clearance for release for secondment from their line manager before making a formal application.
New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months.
The successful candidate will be eligible to join the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) Pension Scheme.
Vacancy reference: 058407; closing date 1 June 2021.
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.
We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.
The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.
