Research Assistant – Japanese Art, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford |HigherJobz

About Position/Job

The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford is inviting applications for a Research Assistant to support its Japanese Collection in the Department of Eastern Art. This part-time (50%) fixed-term role for 1 year provides the opportunity to work closely with the Curator of Japanese Art on a major kabuki-themed exhibition. Responsibilities include researching exhibition content, identifying potential loans, liaising with researchers and lenders, and assisting with the documentation, digitisation, and interpretation of over 12,000 Japanese art objects, including woodblock prints, lacquerware, sword furniture, netsuke, inrō, and Meiji-era decorative arts. The role offers hands-on experience in museum curation, Japanese art scholarship, and public engagement, contributing to the museum’s mission to deliver world-class exhibitions and research outputs.

Position/Job Details

Position: Research Assistant – Japanese Art
Institution: Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
Department: Department of Eastern Art
Research field: Japanese Art & Museum Studies
Location: Oxford, UK
Number of posts: 1
Job Type: Part-time, Fixed-term
Start Date (Anticipated): September 2025
Working Hours: 17.5 hours per week (50% FTE)
Salary Range: Grade 7.1 – £38,674 per annum (pro rata)
Required Degree/Diploma: Postgraduate

Research Area

Japanese Art
Japanese Woodblock Prints
Kabuki Culture
Museum Studies
Exhibition Curation

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Postgraduate degree in Art History, Archaeology, or Museum Studies with a focus on Japan
Specialist knowledge of Japanese woodblock prints and kabuki culture
At least one publication in a relevant field
Excellent written and spoken English and Japanese

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience in museum curation and cataloguing Japanese collections
Familiarity with Ashmolean Museum collections
Ability to contribute to research projects and funding applications

Key Responsibilities

Support the Curator of Japanese Art in research and exhibition development
Assist in organising and interpreting Japanese collections
Identify potential loans and engage with external researchers and lenders
Contribute to documentation, digitisation, and display planning
Participate in outreach and academic dissemination activities

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online via the University’s recruitment portal. A CV and supporting statement addressing each essential and desirable criterion are required. Applications without a supporting statement will not be considered.

Required Documents: CV, Supporting Statement