Project Curator: Eastern Africa

National Museums; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The British Museum invites applications for a Project Curator to lead research on the Eastern Africa collections as part of the REACH programme. This is a four-year fixed-term role combining research with public-facing engagement.

You will work in the Africa, Oceania and the Americas department with East Africa partners, and contribute to publications, learning programmes and exhibitions. The post is full-time (41 hours weekly) and hybrid, with at least three days on-site in Bloomsbury, London.

Qualifications

• Experienced curator or researcher with ethical, collaborative approaches.
• Knowledge of Eastern African history, anthropology or material culture.
• Experience with archival research related to African collections or histories.
• Ability to travel internationally and engage with communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead research into the history and development of the Eastern Africa collections.
• Build and maintain partnerships with museums, communities and organisations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
• Support research visits and collaboration with East African partners.
• Publish and share research findings through publications and events.
• Improve documentation of the Eastern Africa collections.
• Contribute to delivery of the African Histories and Heritage Programme with the project team.

Job description

Project Curator: Eastern Africa

Full-time 41 hours per week

Hybrid, at least 3 days per week on-site in Bloomsbury, London

4-year fixed term contract

£44,719 per annum

Application deadline: 23:59 on 30 September 2026

About the role

The British Museum is seeking a Project Curator to join the department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas. Working on the African Histories and Heritage Programme, you will play a leading role in the delivery of the project: 'Reconnecting Eastern African Collections and Histories' (REACH).

REACH is a new 4-year research and education project aiming to significantly expand knowledge of the British Museum's Eastern Africa collection and increase its impact. This project will produce an object-based history of the ivory caravan trade and imposition of colonial rule (c1800-1914) in Eastern Africa. Working in collaboration with an international network of partner museums and community stakeholders in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, the team will generate new knowledge about museum collections, build strong relationships between partners and share knowledge in East Africa through bespoke schools' programmes and other activities.

You will play a vital role in connecting people with the collection, expanding curatorial practice and advancing interpretations of African histories and heritage at the British Museum.

About you

You are an experienced curator or researcher with a commitment to ethical, collaborative and community-centred approaches to museum collections. Working closely with the Project Lead, you will bring strong research expertise, cultural awareness and the ability to build meaningful partnerships across the British Museum and with colleagues and communities in East Africa.

You will have knowledge of Eastern African history, anthropology or material culture, experience of archival research relating to African collections or histories, and a strong understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding colonial-era collections. You will also have experience engaging communities, partners or public audiences, project management skills, and a track record of research outputs. You will have knowledge of Kiswahili or another East African language and be willing to travel internationally. Some experience of museum learning programmes would be advantageous.

Key areas of responsibility

• Lead research into the history and development of the British Museum's Eastern Africa collections.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with museums, communities and organisations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to deliver research and learning activities.
• Support research visits and collaborative working with East African partner museums and community partners.
• Produce and share research findings through publications, events and other project outputs.
• Improve and enhance the documentation of the Eastern Africa collections.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of the African Histories and Heritage Programme, working closely with the wider project team and external consultants.

About the team

You will join a growing team working on the African History and Heritage Programme. Based in the Department for Africa, Oceania and the Americas, this Programme is investigating how material culture - especially from the British Museum collection - can help transform the understanding and presentation of Africa's past and its heritage in a global context. With a particular emphasis on knowledge exchange, collaboration and engaging young people in Africa, the team is undertaking archaeological, anthropological and historical research. AHHP builds on existing research partnerships and is establishing new relationships with academics, museum curators and communities across Africa. This new role is pivotal to the expansion and delivery of the programme.

About the Department

The Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas cares for about 350,000 cultural belongings and artworks from across four continents. The scope of the collection is contemporary, archaeological and historical, and includes a large pictorial collection. It spans Africa, the Pacific and Australia, as well as North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Through historical and more recent cultural artefacts, contemporary artworks and photographs, the British Museum collection highlights the diversity of Africa and its cultures, celebrating creativity and the continent's continued global connections, and telling the story of Africa from the Palaeolithic to the present day.

Benefits

At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do and have designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found here.

Additional details

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details

Right to Work: The British Museum holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. Applicants are responsible for determining whether the advertised salary and role meet current UKVI sponsorship requirements and for ensuring they have, or can obtain, the appropriate right to work in the UK. The Museum cannot provide immigration advice, and eligibility should be checked before submitting an application.

The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.

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