Assistant Curator

About the organisation

The Science Museum Group brings together the Science Museum, the National Railway Museum, the Science and Industry Museum, the National Science & Media Museum, Locomotion, and the Science and Innovation Park. Together, these institutions form a major international network of science museums.

The Collections teams are central to preserving, studying, and presenting the histories behind some of the most important scientific and technological achievements. Their work helps create engaging experiences that connect people with the ideas, objects, and individuals that have shaped the modern world.

Role overview

The organisation is hiring two Assistant Curators on fixed-term contracts through summer 2028. One position will support the Age of Invention gallery project, and the other will focus on the Space Technology collections.

Both roles contribute to major projects showing how science, technology, and engineering continue to influence everyday life and future discovery, from 250 years of invention to humanity's exploration of space.

What you will do

As an Assistant Curator, you will help develop audience-friendly content and support the presentation of collections through exhibitions, displays, and digital experiences.

For the Age of Invention gallery, you will work with the curatorial team on a large new gallery that explores 250 years of scientific and technological change. Your work will help reveal the stories of inventors, makers, and users, and connect important objects with the everyday experiences and ideas that still shape life today.

For the Space Technology collections role, you will support the Curator of Space Technology in developing the collection by researching significant objects and stories that reflect global achievements in space science, engineering, and exploration.

In both positions, you will contribute to research, content creation, acquisitions, loans, collections activity, and digital storytelling. You will collaborate with teams across Collections, Interpretation, Design, New Media, and external partners to help build compelling experiences for audiences.

You will also work with academics, historians, scientists, designers, lenders, and other stakeholders to ensure the collections are represented accurately, thoughtfully, and creatively.

Additional information

These posts are based at the Science Museum in London. Hybrid working is available.

About you

You should have a strong interest in the history of science, technology, and engineering, along with enthusiasm for showing how objects and stories can resonate with different audiences.

You will need experience researching complex topics and presenting them clearly to non-specialist audiences, plus excellent attention to detail and strong written and spoken communication skills.

You should be collaborative, curious, well organised, adaptable, and comfortable balancing several priorities and deadlines at once.

You should be keen to learn new skills, including working with museum objects and collections systems, and you should bring a considerate and inclusive approach to your work.

The organisation welcomes applicants with transferable skills and encourages people to apply even if they do not meet every requirement.

What we offer

Working for a world-leading museum group gives you access to unique environments and collections, along with support for major life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

• Purpose-led work that contributes directly to the organisation's Inspiring Futures mission.
• Enhanced support for personal and professional development.
• 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, together with flexible policies that support work and home life.
• Access to an employee assistance programme and wider wellbeing support.
• Colleague networks that provide space to share experiences, ideas, and best practice, while building community.
• An enhanced contributory pension to help support long-term savings.
• Interest-free loans for life events or home improvements.
• Free exhibition entry, shop and cafe discounts, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Values and inclusion

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values. The organisation is working to become a place where everyone feels they belong by strengthening understanding of its workforce and building a culture that values different backgrounds, perspectives, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. Greater diversity is seen as essential to becoming a stronger organisation capable of continuing to inspire futures.