Research Assistant for the Indian collection

The Ashmolean Museum is recruiting a Research Assistant for the Indian collection to support with provenance research and to digitise and document archives related to the Indian collection. Based in the Eastern Art Department, the postholder will develop collections-based skills as well as expertise in object-based scholarship.

Working under the supervision of the Keeper of Eastern Art – who also has curatorial responsibility for Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian art , you will primarily be responsible for researching provenance, matching archival documents with objects in the collection, entering provenance information in the collections database, and writing labels and/or catalogue entries on works as required by the Keeper. You will improve the quality of available documentation and create digital records to meet Museum data standards for publication online. You will also be responsible for coordinating the digitisation of the archive on site with the assistance of student placements/volunteers.

You will have a background in art history, anthropology or archaeology, specifically with a focus on the Indian subcontinent. You will have demonstrable knowledge of the Ashmolean’s Indian collection. Excellent communication and organisational skills and an ability to work with precision and accuracy is also essential.

The position is fixed-term for two years, with the potential for renewal dependent on availability of funds. This is an onsite, part-time post that requires the postholder to work 18.75 hours per week.

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates are especially encouraged.

Our range of employee benefits and discounts include a generous pension scheme, staff discount in the Ashmolean Museum café and free access to colleges and Botanic Gardens with staff card.

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one.

The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Dr Mallica Kumbera Landrus, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role ([email protected]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department ([email protected]).

Only applications received online before 12.00 midday on Friday 14 July 2023 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 28 July 2023.

*An automatic annual increment each year will be paid up to (and not including) the discretionary range within the University of Oxford’s grade 7 salary scale.