Project Curator: Fire in Europe

British Society; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The British Museum invites applications for a Project Curator to lead research into early fire in the Palaeolithic as part of the Fire in Europe project. You will direct fieldwork at Breckland sites and collaborate with Queen Mary University of London, University College London, and partners across Europe.

You will publish, present at conferences, and develop public engagement initiatives while coordinating post excavation research and expanding a database of evidence for early fire.

Qualifications

• PhD in Palaeolithic archaeology.
• Significant experience in lithic analysis and field direction of Palaeolithic excavations.
• Experience with Palaeolithic collections in a curatorial environment.
• Ability to manage field teams, research activity and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Direct excavations at Breckland sites and manage fieldwork teams.
• Coordinate post excavation research and 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.

Skills

Palaeolithic archaeology

Lithic analysis

Fieldwork management

Research leadership

Public engagement

Education

PhD in Palaeolithic archaeology

Job description

Contract length: 2 years 10 months from your start date

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

line Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.