Application deadline: 12:00 midday (GMT) on Monday 24 November 2025
Contact Person: GLAM Recruitment
Pay Scale: Standard Grade 4
Salary: £28,437 per annum
About the Role
The Ashmolean Museum is seeking to appoint the David Scrase Curatorial Trainee in Western Art. This 18-month opportunity is supported by the Rick Mather David Scrase Foundation, reflecting their commitment to helping emerging curators gain valuable experience in museums and the arts.
Based in the Western Art Department, the trainee will assist curators with new acquisitions, exhibitions, research projects, and the ongoing digitisation of the Francis Douce Collection of prints and drawings.
This post offers the chance to gain practical curatorial skills while contributing to a significant digitisation project, helping make an important collection more accessible. Structured training will be provided, including object handling and documentation systems.
This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 18 months (36.5 hours per week on-site). The programme is expected to start in January 2026. Some manual handling of museum objects is required; training will be provided.
About You
Applicants should hold a BA (or equivalent) in art history, history, or a related subject, with a strong interest in works on paper and a museum or heritage career. Required qualities include strong research skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Experience with databases or collections management systems, strong IT skills, and excellent written and verbal communication are essential. Knowledge of prints and printmaking, cataloguing experience, and proficiency in another European language are desirable.
Candidates should be enthusiastic, organised, and eager to learn, ready to contribute to a world-renowned museum collection.
What We Offer
The Ashmolean provides a generous benefits package, including:
- Excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- Childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and season ticket loans
More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits.
Diversity
The museum promotes a friendly and inclusive culture, encouraging diversity through support networks and family-friendly policies, including flexible working and assistance for staff returning from extended leave.
The recruitment process is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Alternative formats or adjustments for the application process can be requested by contacting recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.
How to Apply
Applicants must upload a CV and a supporting evidence form via the online application system. The supporting evidence form should address each essential and desirable criterion from the job description. CVs alone will not be considered.
Applications must be received by 12:00 midday (GMT) on Monday 24 November 2025.
Interviews are expected to take place Friday 5 December 2025, in person.
