Conservator: Treasure

Conservator: Treasure
Collection Care and Moves
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
Fixed term (until 31 March 2026)
£32,228 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 2 June 2025

About the role:About the role:
The British Museum is seeking a Conservator: Treasure to join the department of Collection Care and Moves. The postholder will focus on assisting in the Museum's role in the Treasure process, safeguarding the finds placed in the Museum's care and preparing them for identification and the necessary documentation.

When time allows, the postholder will also contribute to the care of the collection through a combination of interventive and preventive measures in support of the museum's operating plan and will proactively engage with the Public Programme activities of the Department of Collection Care and Moves. Based in the Ceramic, Glass and Metals team the role requires the post holder to possess a recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level and demonstrate good general knowledge in the care and conservation of inorganic objects, with an emphasis on freshly excavated archaeological material.

Key areas of responsibility:
* To contribute to the conservation of archaeological material, mainly metals.
* To work collaboratively with colleagues within the department and across the Museum, notably the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and the antiquities departments of Money & Medals and British, Europe & Prehistory.
* To record and document recently excavated material.
* To contribute to the Museum's outreach activities through public speaking, writing for social media, publishing, etc.
* To act as an advocate for the Museum.
* To work flexibly in line with museum priorities.
* To contribute to the conservation of materials/object types outside of own specialism as necessary.
* To contribute to the preparation of objects for loan, exhibition, and storage.
* To assist with the care of the collection through documentation, surveys, data collection, analysis, and support at public events.
* To contribute to the development of new preventive or interventive measures

About you:
* Recognised professional conservation qualification to degree level or equivalent with emphasis on the conservation of Ceramic, Glass and Metal conservation.
* Specialist knowledge of freshly excavated archaeological material and some experience in field excavation.
* Excellent skills in the conservation of historical and archaeological metals
* Understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration.
* Strong knowledge of contemporary principles and practice in preventive conservation.
* Understanding of conservation theory and ethical decision making.
* Relevant knowledge of health and safety.
* Good computing skills and proficiency with a range of IT systems, including documentation including digital imaging/scanning, etc.
* Practical museum or heritage sector employment (public or private sector) during training placements or courses.
* Open and effective communicator with good spoken and written English.
* Able to demonstrate collaborative team working and communication skills.

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:

* Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years' service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
* Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
* Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
* 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.
* Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans
* Professional and personal development opportunities
* Employee Assistance Programme
* 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 17 June 2025.
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