Curator: Later China
Asia
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
Permanent
£35,165 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 18 February 2025
About the role:
This role involves presenting history through objects to diverse audiences. Balancing innovative research with public dissemination, and careful building of the collections through acquisitions is at the heart of this role. As well as building partnerships for the curator's research, it is also imperative the postholder makes time for the work of other researchers to ensure maximum use of the collections. Applicants need to work well in a busy team environment. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in Chinese material culture and an established track-record of working with objects to deliver engaging research and public narratives. They will have had experience of working with museum professionals and other experts.
The successful candidate must be proficient in both English and Chinese and possess some specialist knowledge in one or more of the following object categories within the collection: ceramics, glass, lacquer, ivory, cloisonne, gold, silver, later metalwork, textiles, basketry, weapons, and Chinese collections transferred from the former Ethnography Department. While objects in the permanent collection are documented and digitised, these records require improvement. It is anticipated that the candidate will allocate one day per week to work on the inventory. Further details can be found by exploring the Collection Online on the Museum's website.
Key areas of responsibility:
1. To lead on upgrading the documentation of the collections to a high standard following best practice, cataloguing objects digitally on the collection database with image taking and uploading as necessary, as well as maintaining essential paper records and conducting provenance research.
2. To work with the relevant teams within the museum on care of the collections, their storage, display, and conservation contributing to a supportive and collegiate culture across the organisation.
3. To develop long-term partnerships with individuals and organisations in London, the UK and internationally with an emphasis on China.
4. To create, lead and deliver new research projects to maintain the British Museum's reputation as a leading independent research organisation in line with the Research and Display Strategies.
5. To develop interesting display and exhibition projects which challenge existing narratives and lead to new ways of thinking about the collections which support public engagement with the collections.
About you:
1. BA/BSc or MA university degree in Chinese Art, Chinese Archaeology, Chinese Art History, Chinese Material Culture or relevant subject.
2. Experience of research and publication.
3. Ability to read, write and speak Mandarin Chinese and fluent English.
4. Experience of a temporary exhibition or gallery refurbishment.
5. Project team experience.
6. Museums experience of working with a collection.
7. Experienced in creating diverse networks to deliver projects.
8. Demonstrate innovative use of digital and social media.
9. Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across the museum and academic worlds.
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum's remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
1. Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years' service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
2. Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme.
3. Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions.
4. Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
5. Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans.
6. Professional and personal development opportunities.
7. Employee Assistance Programme.
8. Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.
Additional details:
For more information about this role, please see the job description. The interviews are expected to take place on 27 February 2025.
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