The British Museum
Conservator
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Conservator: Masterplan (specialising in Stone, Wall Paintings and Mosaics)
Full-time
On-site (in Bloomsbury, London)
Fixed term (12 months)
£33,470 per annum
Application deadline: 23:59 on Sunday, 13 September 2026
About the role
The British Museum is embarking on a transformational Masterplan programme — an ambitious, long-term redevelopment of our galleries and collection spaces. We are seeking a Conservator: Masterplan to help safeguard our collection during a major large object decant and associated critical projects. This is a unique opportunity to help preserve, research, and support the display of some of the world’s most significant cultural heritage.
In this role, you will care for the collection, ensuring its long-term stability and protection, through a combination of interventive and preventive measures for a range of objects. This includes large objects, with a particular focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
This is an excellent opportunity for flexible and proactive conservator with specialist knowledge of stone, wall paintings and conservation.
About you
We are looking for someone who combines strong practical conservation skills with excellent communication and collaborative abilities.
- A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent) with emphasis on stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
- Demonstrable hands-on experience in conserving these materials.
- Understanding of material deterioration, preventive conservation, and ethical decision‑making. Ideally, with some involvement in preventive conservation activities.
- Able to adapt to rapidly changing situations and be a great team player.
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise, organise and deliver work to deadlines.
- Good IT skills and competence across relevant software and systems.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to present work publicly.
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Key areas of responsibility
- Carry out conservation treatments with a focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
- Support the large-object decant project, caring for objects relocated to storage and ensure that Conservation procedures and processes are maintained.
- Support conservation projects, including surveys, documentation, data collection, and analysis.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Conservation, Collection Care and Moves, and wider museum teams.
- Ensure best practice and compliance with current health and safety standards.
- Contribute to outreach activities through public speaking, publishing, and supporting public events.
- Assist with developing new conservation measures and ideas for funding bids.
The Masterplan
The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Benefits
At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do and have designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found here, but we’ve outlined some highlights below:
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- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme defined benefit with 28.97% employer contribution.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
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