Collections Assistant in Archaeology (Part Time, Fixed Term)

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) is one of the nine University of Cambridge Museums and Botanic Garden (UCM). It is a sub-Department of the University Department of Social Anthropology and is a key resource for University teaching and research, particularly in collaboration with the Departments of Social Anthropology and Archaeology. Its world-class collections attract visiting researchers from all over the world and it maintains an active programme of temporary exhibitions and loans to major exhibitions within the UK and internationally. MAA’s collections are Designated for their national and international importance. For further information about the Museum’s staff, collections, and programmes, see www.maa.cam.ac.uk

MAA is seeking to appoint a Collections Assistant, to support the care of and access to archaeological collections. This is a fixed-term contract backfilling staff who are involved in a project. The main purpose of the role is to support the collections management and collections care work of the Collections Manager for Archaeology by updating catalogue records, assisting with condition reporting, photography, object packing and movement, the installation of permanent and temporary displays and with integrated pest management. The role also assists with providing access to the collections by supervising visiting researchers and assisting with visits from members of source communities. The role also assists with the Museum’s outreach activities.

The Museum’s collections are considered amongst the most important in their fields and are designated for their national and international importance. The archaeological collections range from early hominid tools from Olduvai Gorge, through Palaeolithic and later prehistoric collections from most regions of the inhabited world, a very strong collection of Peruvian ceramics and textiles, and to artefacts representing all phases of occupation in Britain, particularly from Cambridgeshire and Cambridge itself.

As well as being a public museum welcoming over c.70,000 visitors per annum, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is a vital base for teaching and research. The Museum welcomes research visitors from within the University of Cambridge as well as visiting researchers from all parts of the UK and throughout the world. The Archaeology teaching collection is a particular asset to the Museum allowing students to encounter and handle artefacts and materials from across human history. The Museum has an active programme of temporary exhibitions and also lends objects to external institutions both nationally and internationally.

The successful candidate will have relevant experience of working with museum collections, particularly archaeological material. Experience of inter-museum loans would be highly desirable. They will have very good IT skills including spreadsheets and basic word processing and experience with collections management systems. Excellent attention to detail and very good written and verbal communication skills are essential as well as excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Fixed-term until 31 December 2024.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records) check, a health assessment and a security check.

MAA and the University of Cambridge Museums are committed to inclusion and diversity within our institutions and across the sector, and we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Museum and the University.

Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries about this vacancy may be addressed to Eleanor Wilkinson, Acting Collections Manager in Archaeology at [email protected]

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 26 July with interviews expected to take place Tuesday 8 August online. It is hoped that the successful candidate will take up the appointment in early September 2023.

Further information regarding the position is available within the Further Particulars (link below). To discuss the position further please contact: the HSPS recruitment team: [email protected]

Please quote reference JU37475 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.

Further information
Apply online