Research Assistant for the Indian collection

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Oxford is seeking a Research Assistant for their Indian Collection. This role involves researching provenance, maintaining database records, and coordinating digitization efforts over two years at 18.75 hours per week. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and a strong understanding of Indian art history.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

38 days of annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Demonstrable knowledge of Indian material culture.
• Record of at least one relevant research publication.
• Ability to produce publications.

Responsibilities

• Research provenance and match archival documents with objects.
• Enter provenance information into the collections database.
• Write labels and/or catalogue entries as required.
• Coordinate the digitisation of the archive.

Skills

Knowledge of Indian visual and material culture

Excellent communication skills

Strong IT and data skills

Time management skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in art history, archaeology or anthropology with a focus on India

Job description

The Ashmolean Museum, part of the University of Oxford's Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), is seeking a Research Assistant for the Indian Collection within the Department of Eastern Art. The department houses internationally significant holdings of art from South and Southeast Asia, China, Japan and the Islamic world, encompassing over 46,000 objects and 150,000 items in the departmental archives, that together form one of Britain's most important resources for the study of Asian art. Working under the supervision of the Keeper of Eastern Art - who also has curatorial responsibility for Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian art - you will primarily be responsible for researching provenance, matching archival documents with objects in the collection, entering provenance information in the collections database, and writing labels and/or catalogue entries on works as required by the Keeper. You will improve the quality of available documentation and create digital records to meet Museum data standards for publication online. You will also be responsible for co‑ordinating the digitisation of the archive on site with the assistance of student placements/volunteers. This is a fixed‑term post for two years, working 18.75 hours per week on site. Please note that this role may involve lifting, moving and carrying heavy boxes of papers, in accordance with safety procedures.

You will hold a degree in art history, archaeology or anthropology with a focus on India, and possess demonstrable knowledge of the visual and material culture of the Indian subcontinent. You will have a record of at least one relevant research publication or the potential to produce such publications. You will bring excellent communication skills, together with strong IT and data skills, including data entry and cleaning. You will be highly organised, with good time management skills, and will be confident working both independently and as part of a team.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans