The University of Oxford is inviting applications for a Collections Assistant position at the Ashmolean Museum, Department of Antiquities, United Kingdom. This permanent museum role supports the care, accessibility, and management of archaeology collections while contributing to teaching, research, conservation, and public engagement activities.
The appointed candidate will assist with the preparation, movement, and organisation of museum objects used in teaching, photography, conservation work, research access, and outgoing loans. Working closely with curators, researchers, and museum colleagues, the role also supports the day-to-day operation of galleries, study rooms, and storage areas to ensure safe and effective access to collections.
Responsibilities include handling archaeological and historical materials such as ceramics, metals, stone artefacts, organic materials, and archival objects in accordance with recognised museum standards. The position also contributes to gallery redisplays, exhibitions, storage improvement initiatives, and may occasionally involve accompanying museum loan objects within the United Kingdom or internationally when required.
Applicants should hold qualifications or demonstrate relevant practical experience in archaeology, museum studies, history of art, or a closely related discipline. Previous experience working with museum collections, alongside knowledge of collections care, conservation awareness, object handling, and museum database systems, will support success in this collections-focused environment.
Position Details
- Position: Collections Assistant
- Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department: Ashmolean Museum – Department of Antiquities
- Relevant Disciplines: Archaeology, Museum Studies, History of Art, Collections Management
- Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Museum / Collections Position
- Contract Duration: Permanent
- Start Date: Not specified
- Working Hours: 36.5 hours per week
- Salary/Funding: £28,437 per annum
- Required Qualification: Qualification and/or proven experience in Archaeology, Museum Studies, History of Art, or a related discipline
Focus Area
- Archaeology collections
- Museum collections management
- Object handling and collections care
- Conservation support
- Heritage and antiquities collections
- Museum storage and gallery operations
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- Qualification and/or proven experience in archaeology, museum studies, history of art, or a related discipline
- Experience working or volunteering within a museum or collections-based environment
- Experience handling, packing, and caring for museum collections
- Awareness of conservation, security, and manual handling practices
- Confidence supporting students, researchers, or adult teaching groups
- Good written and spoken English communication skills
- Strong organisational ability and collaborative working skills
- General IT literacy, including Microsoft Office experience
- Familiarity with museum databases, including Museum Plus or Resource Space, is advantageous
Key Responsibilities
- Support preparation and movement of objects for teaching, research, conservation, and photography
- Coordinate access to collections with curators, researchers, and museum colleagues
- Assist with gallery rotations, exhibitions, and storage enhancement projects
- Handle and rehouse archaeological and museum materials according to museum standards
- Maintain safe daily operations across study rooms, galleries, and storage areas
- Occasionally accompany museum loan objects as a courier when required
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the University of Oxford online recruitment system. Candidates are required to upload supporting materials demonstrating how they meet the essential and desirable selection criteria listed within the official job description.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supporting Evidence Form using the required template
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Open now
- Application Deadline: 24 June 2026, 12:00 midday (BST)
- Interview Period: Expected on 27 July 2026
- Expected Start Date: Not specified
Applicants should prepare required documents carefully, as only complete online submissions received before the deadline will be considered.
Related Academic Opportunities
- University of Oxford Academic Jobs
- Academic Jobs in the UK
- Museum Studies Jobs Worldwide
- Archaeology Faculty and Research Jobs
- International Research and Academic Opportunities for Scholars
Institutional Overview
The University of Oxford is among the United Kingdom’s leading academic institutions, supporting teaching, research, museums, and collections-based scholarship across disciplines. The Ashmolean Museum houses internationally significant antiquities collections, providing opportunities for archaeology, museum studies, conservation, heritage research, and object-based teaching within an established museum environment.
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