Research Associate: Botanical Collections (Fixed Term)
Be a part of something amazing...
As the principal museum of the University of Cambridge and the largest cultural venue in the region, The Fitzwilliam Museum acts as a crucial bridge between the University, the City and the rest of the world, and has an international reputation for extraordinary research, world class exhibitions, award-winning public programmes and significant collections spanning many cultures and centuries. The Hamilton Kerr Institute (HKI) is a sub-department of the museum and is one of the world's leading centres for teaching and research in paintings conservation and heritage science.
The Fitzwilliam Museum also has one of the world's most important collections of flower paintings and botanical drawings dating from the sixteenth to the twenty-first centuries. The post-holder will lead on researching an aspect of the botanical collection, ensuring improved documentation and accessibility of these collections, working closely with our Documentation and Photography teams. They will have the opportunity to formulate new research projects, building partnerships in the University of Cambridge and beyond, and participating in research networks such as Collections-Connections-Communities. We particularly encourage applicants who will seek to bring new perspectives to these collections, including from under-represented audiences and considering collection histories.
Furthermore, the postholder will have the opportunity to contribute to teaching and to develop skills and experience in museological practice, including temporary displays and exhibitions, in the museum and online. They will support the Curator, Northern European Paintings & Drawings, including with collections enquiries and access, and work with other curators, collections management staff, photographers, documentation experts, conservators, scientists, learning staff and other colleagues across the Museum and the wider University.
The post holder will have knowledge or experience of working in a museum, library or archive, with a track record of research outputs related to botanical drawings or flower paintings. They will be adept at working independently and as part of a team, with excellent IT and digital skills.
In return we offer an encouraging and supportive environment, generous holiday allowance, an attractive pension scheme and many employee benefits such as a shopping discounts scheme.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Closing date for applications: 29th September 2024
Interviews for the role will be held: 22nd October 2024
Please quote reference DA43168 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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