Heritage Science Manager

Box; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in Greater London is seeking an innovative Heritage Science Manager to lead the operational aspects of its Moving Image Conservation Research Laboratory. The role requires managing technical operations and conservation strategies while fostering strong relationships across the industry. Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in heritage science and have substantial research lab experience, alongside proficiency with various analytical equipment. This position offers a unique opportunity in a pioneering environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of substantial experience in a research lab, center, or facility.
• Demonstrable experience operating laboratory equipment.
• Experience in generating and interpreting research data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the MICRL heritage science laboratory.
• Manage technical aspects including quality control.
• Develop and maintain relationships across the BFI and industry.

Skills

Experience with XRF

Experience with FTIR spectroscopy

Experience with NMR

Experience with Microfade testing

Experience with Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

Education

Postgraduate degree in heritage science

Job description

The BFI is looking for an innovative Heritage Science Manager to lead all operational aspects of the BFI National Archive’s Moving Image Conservation Research Laboratory (MICRL); directing its development, enabling access to its major research themes and facilities as well as instigating original conservation research.

About the role

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the MICRL heritage science laboratory, its equipment, systems and facilities
• Managing technical aspects through to final quality control and delivery, in collaboration with the BFI’s Knowledge, Learning and Collections colleagues and the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) Infrastructure Headquarters
• Managing RICHeS grant budget, with Head of Conservation, ensuring that the BFI’s Financial Procedures are followed for the management of all assets (including people)
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with senior colleagues across the BFI, with international peers and key figures across the film and TV industries and screen heritage sector. Coaching and training colleagues in policies and procedures and collections-related knowledge and skills, including scientific techniques suitable for conservation treatment
• With the Head of Conservation and colleagues, developing policies, procedures and practices to achieve best practice for moving image conservation
• Acting as an ambassador for the BFI and maintaining a professional approach at all times.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Postgraduate degree in heritage science or related area
• Substantial experience working within a research lab, centre, or facility
• Demonstrable experience operating one or more of the following: XRF, FTIR spectroscopy, NMR, Microfade testing, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis
• Experience of generation and interpretation of research data, creating written reports for various audiences.

A full list of responsibilities and minimum requirements can be found in the job description, available by searching for the role on BFI jobs and opportunities .

First interviews will be held w/c Monday 09 February 2026

Second interviews will be held w/c Monday 16 February 2026

The closing date for this position is 26/01/2026 at 23:59