Curator of Southern European Art

University of Oxford Gardens, Libraries & Museums; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university museum in Oxford is seeking a Curator specializing in Southern European art. The successful candidate will curate the Italian and Spanish collections and lead major exhibitions. Responsibilities include managing acquisitions, collaborating with various teams, and supervising early-career professionals. A postgraduate qualification and a strong research record are essential. This full-time role allows for flexible working arrangements up to two days a week.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Significant track record of research and publication in Southern European art.
• Demonstrable experience managing exhibitions and acquisitions.

Responsibilities

• Curate and manage the Italian and Spanish art collections.
• Lead major exhibitions and contribute to research initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues and supervise students.

Skills

Advanced subject expertise in Southern European art

Experience in planning and delivering exhibitions

Strong communication skills

Project management skills

Education

Relevant postgraduate qualification

Job description

About the role

Ashmolean’s Department of Western Art holds internationally significant collections and is at the heart of the Museum’s ambitious programme of exhibitions, research and capital development. In this role, you will have curatorial responsibility for the care, development and interpretation of the Italian and Spanish collections, and related Southern European schools, from the fourteenth century to 1945. You will develop and curate ambitious exhibitions, contribute to research, publication and teaching, and play a central role in the major West Wing project, helping to shape new gallery displays and improve access to the collections. You will enhance the collections through acquisitions and long‑term loans, cultivate relationships with donors and international partners, and contribute to the documentation, digitisation and online presentation of the collections. The role involves close collaboration with colleagues across the Museum, GLAM (Gardens, Libraries, and Museums), and the wider Oxford University, as well as leadership and supervision of fellows, interns, volunteers and students.

Working conditions

This is a full‑time post, working 37.5 hours per week. Subject to the line manager’s approval, this role supports working from home up to two days per week.

About You

• Advanced subject expertise in Southern European art, supported by a relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience, and a strong record of research and publication.
• Demonstrable experience of planning and delivering major exhibitions, loans and acquisitions, and of building and sustaining international networks.
• Strong independent and collaborative working skills, confident communication with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders, and the ability to lead and supervise students and early‑career professionals.
• Capacity to plan and deliver complex projects on time and within budget, and to contribute positively to the shared goals of the Museum and University.

How to apply

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. CVs alone will not be considered.

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Wednesday 11 February 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place in person on Thursday 12 March 2026.