Research Associate: Literary and Artistic Archives, Fitzwilliam Museum

Salary range: £33,309 - £40,927 Closing date: 30 January 2022 Download the job pack

Be a part of something extraordinary.

Welcoming and inclusive working environment.

The Fitzwilliam Museum is being transformed. Last year we welcomed a new Senior Leadership Team, and are playing a leading role in a new University Strategic Research Initiative on Collections, Connections and Communities, making this an exciting and busy time to be joining the Museum.

As the principal museum of the University of Cambridge and one of the largest cultural venues in the region, the Fitzwilliam aims to be a crucial bridge between the University, the city and the rest of the world, with an international reputation for extraordinary research, world class exhibitions, sector-leading public engagement and over half a million artefacts and works of art spanning centuries and cultures. The Fitzwilliam workforce comprises approximately 200 members of staff and over 100 volunteers. The Fitzwilliam is the lead for the University of Cambridge Museums (UCM) partnership, bringing together all eight museums and the Botanic Garden.

In line with the Fitzwilliam Museum Mission adopted in December 2019, the Museum is committed to developing its work and reputation as a great public asset and an extraordinary research institution and scholarly resource within the University, the region and the world. Through engaging powerfully with as wide a public as possible, producing and presenting interdisciplinary research of the highest quality around its collections, the Museum is entering a new era.

The role of the Research Associate: Literary and Artistic Archives: This role will lead on archive research and projects relating to the literary, artistic, and other archives (including music). They will research and catalogue archives in line with the Museum's new Research & Impact Strategy, ensuring improved documentation and accessibility of these collections, and 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.

The postholder will also have the opportunity to develop and conceive creative responses to the collection, through engagement with artists and creative practitioners, in line with the Museum's new Collections Development Strategy. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching and displays, digital and engagement projects. They will support the Curator of Manuscripts and Printed Books, supporting collections enquiries and access, and work with curators, technicians, conservators, scientists, learning staff and other colleagues across the Museum and the wider University.

Location: Cambridge, with some blended working possible.

For an informal conversation about the post, please contact Suzanne Reynolds, Curator of Manuscripts and Printed Books (scr42@cam.ac.uk).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years 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.

Interviews will be held on 24 February 2022

Please quote reference DA29409 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 Fitzwilliam Museum particularly encourages candidates from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background to apply for these vacancies.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.