The History of Science Museum (HSM) is transforming. To mark its centenary, the Museum is embarking on Vision 2024: an ambitious programme to refurbish its public spaces, reinterpret its world-class collections and re-engage new and existing audiences with extraordinary stories about how science shapes our world. Inspiring curiosity, revealing beauty and highlighting ingenuity, our mission is to explore the connections between people, science, art, and belief, to give voice to our collections, and to share the stories of science in Oxford. 

At this exciting moment in its history, the HSM is looking to appoint an exceptional individual as its interim Head of Research, Teaching and Collections (RTC). Providing cover for the current postholder’s research leave, the Head of RTC will be responsible for leading the section, determining strategy, and delivering policy and projects, and for taking a lead role in the development of Vision 2024. 

You will have a strong track record of leadership and management, and a commitment to driving forward change with an exceptional gift for inspiring your team. This role demands an extremely high level of self-motivation and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders on all levels. You will be able to balance high-pressure quick-response needs with research, curatorial and interpretative work and with routine and necessary administrative tasks. 

You will have a track-record of inspirational academic teaching, and an active research profile relevant to the Museum’s collections and/or mission. You will bring significant experience of developing and delivering strategies for the mobilisation of collections for research and teaching both physically and digitally, enabling HSM to reach its full potential in time for its centenary. 

The role is one year fixed term, with the possibility of extension if funding becomes available. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. HSM is committed to equality and valuing diversity. 

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 28 July 2021. Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 31 August 2021.