Project Curator: Fire in Europe

The British Museum; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free exhibition entry

Civil Service Pension Scheme

25 days’ annual leave

Discounts at onsite catering

Job summary

The British Museum invites applications for a Project Curator to lead a Fire in Europe research initiative, directing fieldwork at Breckland sites and coordinating post‑excavation studies with UK and European partners. You will publish findings and present at international conferences, shaping new approaches to evidence of early fire in Europe.

The role combines fieldwork, collections research, and public engagement, offering opportunities to develop research programmes and contribute to

Qualifications

• PhD in Palaeolithic archaeology with extensive knowledge.
• Experience directing Palaeolithic excavations and working with collections.
• Experience communicating research to both academic and public audiences.

Responsibilities

• Direct excavations at Breckland sites and manage fieldwork teams.
• Coordinate post‑excavation research and specialist investigations into evidence for fire.
• Publish and present project research in peer‑reviewed journals and at international conferences.
• Develop research with UK and European partners, including a database of early fire evidence.

Skills

Lithic analysis

Field team leadership

Budget management

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in Palaeolithic archaeology

Job description

Hybrid (at least 2 days per week on‑site in Orsman Road, Hackney

Fixed term contract – 2 years 10 months

£46,329 per annum

All interviews will be taking place on 23 November 2026.

About the role

This is an opportunity to join the British Museum as Project Curator, undertaking and directing research into early fire in the Palaeolithic as part of the Fire in Europe project. You will lead fieldwork at key Breckland sites and develop post excavation research, working with project partners at Queen Mary University of London and University College London and with specialists and research colleagues across Europe.

Alongside developing the project's research programme, you will contribute to its academic and public impact through publications, international conferences, workshops and public engagement initiatives. The role combines fieldwork, collections and object research and international collaboration, offering the opportunity to help shape new approaches to understanding evidence for early fire in Europe.

About you

You will have a PhD in Palaeolithic archaeology, with extensive knowledge of the field and significant experience in lithic analysis. You will bring practical experience of directing Palaeolithic excavations, undertaking post excavation research and working with Palaeolithic collections in a curatorial environment.

You will be confident managing field teams, research activity and budgets and working collaboratively with colleagues and specialists in the UK and internationally. You will also have postdoctoral research experience and a publication record in peer reviewed journals, with the ability to communicate your research effectively to both academic and public audiences.

Key areas of responsibility

• Direct excavations at key Breckland sites and manage fieldwork teams
• Coordinate post excavation research and specialist investigations into evidence for fire
• Develop research with UK and European partners, including a database of early fire evidence
• Publish and present project research in peer reviewed journals and at international conferences
• Organise international workshops and a conference on early fire
• Develop public engagement initiatives and contribute to teaching and Museum research activities

The Masterplan

The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.

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, but we’ve outlined some highlights below:

• Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme defined benefit with considerable employer contribution.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
• Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
• Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
• Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
• Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
• Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.

Our Values

Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:

• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Value Many Voices

These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to [e-mail].

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.