Archaeologist

We are looking for an archaeologist with experience of museum collections who can support the development of new approaches to the display of and care for archaeological collections at Derby Museums. The successful candidate will lead on the care and interpretation of our British archaeology collections as part of the Reimagining with the City project. They will also bring knowledge of Egyptology to the role as we transition from our upcoming Displaced: From the Nile to the Derwent temporary exhibition to a more permanent display of our Egyptian collections as part of the Derby’s Egypt project.

Co-production will form a large part of this role as the archaeologist will help to co-produce the re-display of the Archaeology Gallery and ancient Egypt collection at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery. This will involve working with schools, volunteers, families and adult learners to support collections care, interpretation and display.

The Role

This includes but isn’t limited to:

Working with the Head of Interpretation and Display and the Head of Collections to develop and deliver plans for the new ancient Egypt re-display and the redevelopment of Archaeology and Natural Sciences galleries.

Taking responsibility for the collections required for displays, programmes and activities, and ensuring they are documented and cared for, in conjunction with the Collections Manager.
Co-producing displays, programmes and activities which support visitor engagement and inspire curiosity in Derby’s story. Playing a key role in the design of new galleries and interpretive strategies.

Supporting the Derby Museums Data Coordinator and the project leads with the collection and reporting of data for both projects.

The Person

You will need:

Specialist knowledge and experience of curating and caring for Archaeological collections, ideally including Egyptology collections.
Knowledge of the ethical considerations regarding these collections.
Experience of working with projects that encourage participation and dialogue with stakeholders in the community.
Experience working on gallery display/exhibition projects.
Experience or knowledge of projects and activities that enhance the visitor experience through the use of collections.
Experience of using collections creatively for learning and enjoyment.
To display high levels of enthusiasm, hardworking, flexibility and commitment. Be an excellent team player.
To be highly organised, able to prioritise and work to tight deadlines with excellent attention to detail.

A commitment to and enthusiasm for working with volunteers and community groups.
We believe that diversity and equality within our workplace, programmes, and in our outlook is crucial. We therefore particularly welcome applications from candidates that are under-represented at Derby Museums and within the heritage sector, including black and minority ethnic candidates and/or candidates with a disability.

The Place

Derby Museums is a charitable trust which manages three museums and cares for collections of cultural heritage on behalf of Derby City Council. This includes the finest collection of work by the 18th century British artist Joseph Wright of Derby and extensive collections of natural science, world cultures, archaeology, history and making.

The vast majority of the British archaeology collection has come from excavations in Derbyshire and is constantly being added to through archaeological work in the county. The archaeology collection is particularly strong in terms of early-Medieval, Bronze Age and Roman finds. The Egyptian collections include some of the earliest objects accessioned by the museum and include the remains of two mummified people as well as pottery and flints from various excavations.

Derby is a city with a heart, in the heart of England. It’s a friendly, prosperous but affordable place on the edge of the beautiful Peak District and has great ambitions to place culture at the heart of its future prosperity.

Hours: 33.5 hours per week (0.9 FTE)

Salary: £24,925.81- £26,594.47 (pro rata). £27,530 – £29,373 (FTE)

Contract Type: 58 weeks fixed term

Employee Benefits: 20 days + bank holidays (pro rata), flexible working, pension, mileage allowance payable on authorised business travel

Museum Website: https://derbymuseums.org/about/jobs/archaeologist/