Conservator: Masterplan

About the role

The British Museum is embarking on a transformational Masterplan programme — an ambitious, long-term redevelopment of our galleries and collection spaces. We are seeking a Conservator: Masterplan to help safeguard our collection during a major large object decant and associated critical projects. This is a unique opportunity to help preserve, research, and support the display of some of the world’s most significant cultural heritage.

In this role, you will care for the collection, ensuring its long-term stability and protection, through a combination of interventive and preventive measures for a range of objects. This includes large objects, with a particular focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaics.

This is an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive conservator with specialist knowledge of stone, wall paintings and conservation.

About you

We are looking for someone who combines strong practical conservation skills with excellent communication and collaborative abilities.

• A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent) with emphasis on stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
• Demonstrable hands-on experience in conserving these materials.
• Understanding of material deterioration, preventive conservation, and ethical decision‑making. Ideally, with some involvement in preventive conservation activities.
• Able to adapt to rapidly changing situations and be a great team player.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise, organise and deliver work to deadlines.
• Good IT skills and competence across relevant software and systems.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to present work publicly.

Key areas of responsibility

• Carry out conservation treatments with a focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
• Support the large-object decant project, caring for objects relocated to storage and ensure that Conservation procedures and processes are maintained.
• Support conservation projects, including surveys, documentation, data collection, and analysis.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Conservation, Collection Care and Moves, and wider museum teams.
• Ensure best practice and compliance with current health and safety standards.
• Contribute to outreach activities through public speaking, publishing, and supporting public events.
• Assist with developing new conservation measures and ideas for funding bids.

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.