Job Posting: UK Research Fellow

Britain's Atlantic Empire, 1650 - 1850

SIX-MONTH FIXED TERM CONTRACT, £30,000 pro rata

The National Maritime Museum is building on its success in telling Britain’s imperial and maritime story by developing two new galleries to explore the diverse histories and shared legacies of Britain’s maritime empires. The galleries, which have the collective working title of Britain’s Maritime Worlds, will focus on Britain’s interaction with the Atlantic and Asian worlds between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. The Museum’s world-class collections are particularly strong in these areas and the two galleries, which will open in autumn 2007 and 2008 respectively, will form the centrepiece of a range of Museum activities.

We are seeking a research fellow to help us take forward the research and interpretation on the first of these galleries, which deals with Britain’s Atlantic world. The fellow will be one of a team of professional exhibition curators and conservators working on the gallery and his or her primary role will be to provide them with the subject expertise needed to select and develop its main themes. The fellow will be expected to work closely with our 2- and 3-D collections, using their knowledge of the Atlantic world to weave an accurate, accessible and compelling history around them. Although experience of working with objects would be an advantage, it will be more important for the applicant to be able to demonstrate an awareness of the potential of material culture and a willingness to use the objects to draw out often complex historical meanings. The job will entail working with other departments in the Museum, particularly Education and Online Projects, to help them develop their own programmes to accompany the new gallery.

This varied and interesting position would ideally suit a researcher with a higher degree in imperial or maritime studies and a specialisation in an aspect of Atlantic history. The fellow will be excited by the challenges of presenting high-quality research to non-academic audiences within a gallery environment. They will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, and will enjoy the prospect of working in a team.

It is anticipated that a full-time curatorial position in the field of imperial and maritime studies will be advertised during the period of the fellowship, for which the fellow will be able to apply.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter to:

Human Resources
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich
London SE10 9NF
Email: recruitment@nmm.ac.uk

Closing date for the receipt of applications: 10 May 2006