Are you a leader and strategic thinker in the museums, heritage or academic sector? Do you have strong people management skills and a gift for inspiring your team at a time of major change? 

The History of Science Museum (HSM) is transforming. To mark our centenary, we have launched Vision 2024: an ambitious programme of activity to refurbish our public spaces, reinterpret our world-class collections and re-engage new and existing audiences with extraordinary stories about how science shapes our world. Vision 2024 is underpinned by a new focus on 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 our history, we are looking to appoint an exceptional individual as our new Head of Research, Teaching and Collections (RTC) who will have this mission at heart. 

The Head of RTC is responsible for leading and managing staff in the section, for determining strategy, delivering policy and projects, and for taking a lead role in the development of Vision 2024. The Museum is also conducting large-scale offsite moves and participating in the creation of two new collections’ facilities with colleagues across the University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums Division (GLAM). This role is thus an exceptional opportunity to work with an internationally significant collection at a key moment in its history. 

For this dynamic and fast-paced role you will have a strong track record of leadership and management. Your commitment to driving forward change will be matched by an exceptional gift for inspiring your team during arguably the most challenging and exciting period in the Museum’s history. 

You will develop and deliver strategies that enable HSM to reach its full potential in time for its centenary. While the demands of the post mean that there is limited scope for personal research and teaching, you will lead on the Museum’s strategies in these areas, have a track record in creating successful funding applications, and inspire and manage project staff and the delivery of innovative academic teaching. You will bring significant experience of developing and delivering strategies for the mobilisation of collections for research and teaching both physically and digitally, and will work with colleagues across GLAM in the development and delivery of the GLAM Digital Strategy. 

This role demands an exceptionally 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 strategic oversight, and also deliver routine and necessary administrative tasks. The role will especially suit a candidate with the ambition to lead across an institution. 

The post-holder reports directly to the Museum’s Director and will deputise for her as and when required. 

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your application. Applications are particularly welcome from those with backgrounds that are underrepresented in museum fields. HSM is committed to equality and valuing diversity. 

Only applications received online before 12:00 midday on Friday 23rd September 2022 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on 07 October 2022.