Research Associate: Chinese Export Paintings (Fixed Term)

Salary range: £36,024 - 44,263 Closing date: 22 October 2023 Download the job pack

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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 Fitzwilliam Museum collection comprises 500,000 objects, displayed in galleries or housed in storage. The Hamilton Kerr Institute (HKI) is one of the world's leading centres for teaching and research in conservation and heritage science.

The role holder will document and research our collection of export paintings from China, authoring catalogue records and research publications, and supporting wider public engagement with the collection. They will also seek to build collaborations with colleagues in the University and beyond.

The post-holder will be knowledgeable about, and have experience working with, 18th and 19th century Chinese paintings, particularly export arts, an understanding of the wider historical and cultural context, and be committed to developing new inclusive and diverse perspectives on these collections.

We are seeking someone who has extensive track record of will lead on cataloguing the collection of Chinese export paintings, 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 Cambridge and beyond. 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 develop teaching and conceive creative responses to the collection, through engagement with visitors. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching and to help with temporary displays, in the museum and online. They will support the Curator of Chinese Art, including 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. They will need to maintain strong working relationships with a diverse range of people

In return we offer an encouraging and supportive environment, an attractive pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and many employee benefits such as a shopping discounts scheme.

To help support our staff to thrive both professionally and personally, we have adopted a system of hybrid working, meaning staff are empowered to split their time between in-person collaboration and remote working. The frequency of remote working may vary due to project needs and will be subject to discussion with your line manager.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 9 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.

• Closing date for applications: midnight Sunday 22nd October 2023

• Interview Date: Thursday 2nd November 2023

Please quote reference DA38507 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.