About the Position
The Powell-Cotton Trust is seeking a dedicated Curator of Material Culture to join the Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington-on-Sea, Kent, UK. This full-time, fixed-term position for 24 months offers an exciting opportunity to work with internationally significant collections encompassing archaeology, material culture, natural history, and related disciplines.
The role is central to the museum’s long-standing and evolving commitment to ethical practice and decolonisation, a journey formally strengthened since 2019. Working closely with the Community Advisory Group, which includes members from origin communities, the postholder will deepen their understanding of the museum’s material culture collections, identify priorities for research and development, and ensure best practices across curatorial work. This position plays a key role in shaping museum-wide change and reinforcing the Powell-Cotton Trust’s reputation as a sector leader in ethical and inclusive museum practice.
Position / Job Details
- Position: Curator of Material Culture
- Institution: Powell-Cotton Trust
- Department: Collections / Museum Curation
- Research Field: Material Culture and Museum Studies
- Location: Birchington-on-Sea, Kent, United Kingdom
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term Contract
- Contract Duration: 24 months
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2026
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary Range: £30,000 per annum (FTE)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Degree
Research Area
- Material culture collections
- Museum curation and collections management
- Decolonisation and ethical museum practice
- Community engagement and co-curation
- Collection research and reinterpretation
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Relevant degree-level qualification in museum studies, anthropology, archaeology, or a related field
- Experience working with museum or heritage collections
- Strong understanding of ethical and decolonial approaches in museums
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with community-led or participatory projects
- Research experience related to material culture collections
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Key Responsibilities
- Research and interpret material culture collections
- Identify priorities for collections research and development
- Support and embed ethical and decolonisation practices
- Work collaboratively with community advisors and stakeholders
- Contribute to museum-wide development and best-practice leadership
Application Process
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply by email after reviewing the Job Description and Person Specification.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Covering letter outlining interest and suitability for the role
Applications must be sent to Katy Roberts, Executive Assistant, via email at katy.roberts@powell-cottonmuseum.org.
For role-related enquiries, contact Mady Beardmore, Head of Collections, at mady.beardmore@powell-cottonmuseum.org.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 09 January 2026
- Deadline: 27 January 2026 (5:00 pm UK time)
- Interview Date: 13 February 2026
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Powell-Cotton Museum
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply Now: Email application to katy.roberts@powell-cottonmuseum.org
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