Curator of Photography and Photographic Technology

Curator of Photography and Photographic Technology

Do you have a broad knowledge of the history of photography and photographic technologies? Do you have the ability to research interesting stories in collections and then communicate this complex information to non-specialist audiences in an engaging way?

About us

The National Science and Media Museum holds internationally significant collections of photographic, film, television, sound and games technologies. In the photography and photographic collections alone, we care for millions of individual photographs and cameras, plus related technologies.

We are now recruiting for a Curator of Photography and Photographic Technology to join on a fixed-term, 12-month, maternity cover contract. This is a full-time role working 35 hours per week, based at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford with hybrid working also available.

About the role

The Curator of Photography and Photographic Technology is a key role within the museum's curatorial team, working with and championing our world class collections of photography and photographic technology.

You will work with colleagues to understand, care for and facilitate access to our collections. This includes improving collections information and catalogue records, appraising and progressing potential acquisitions and undertaking collections reviews.

You will facilitate access to collections by responding to enquiries, developing content for displays, online content or in-person talks and tours, and by hosting research visitors. There is also scope for you to identify and develop your own project or specialisms within the period of this role. This might respond to recent or emerging technologies such as digital photo manipulation or generative AI, or it might respond to historic materials already held in the collection.

About you

Joining us, you will have a broad knowledge of the history of photography, of historical and contemporary photographic technologies and of their relationship to the wider history of science and technology. You will have good oral and written communication skills with experience of communicating complex information to non-specialist audiences, for example in exhibitions, articles, blogs, outreach or teaching.

Crucially, you will have good research skills which will enable you to find interesting stories related to our collection. You will be able to build relationships with internal/external peers, subject specialists and organisations and you will have a good understanding of collections management and curatorial procedures.

Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

* Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.

* Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.

* Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.

* Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.

* Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.

* Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.

* Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.

* Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.

* Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=aHJzZXJ2aWNlLjI5OTU3LjExMTkzQHNjaWVuY2VtdXNldW0uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t