Curator of Climate and Earth Sciences
| Posting date: | 21 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £41,770 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 August 2025 |
| Location: | City of London, London, SW7 2DD |
| Company: | Science Museum Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | SMG03258_1753094099 |
Summary
Do you have a commitment to the history of science and a passion to shape how audiences engage with climate and earth sciences? Would you like to develop collections, lead research, and bring powerful stories to life at the Science Museum?
About us
The Science Museum Group (SMG) encompasses the Science Museum (London), the National Railway Museum (York), the Science and Industry Museum (Manchester), the National Science and Media Museum (Bradford), Locomotion (Shildon), and the Science and Innovation Park (Wiltshire). Together, we form the world's leading group of science museums.
As part of our mission to Inspire Futures, we aim to connect people with the science that shapes our lives. Climate and earth sciences are central to that mission, and we're investing in this area to ensure our collections, research, and interpretation reflect the most urgent and relevant stories of today and tomorrow.
About the role
We're looking for a Curator of Climate and Earth Sciences to join our Collections and Research team based at the Science Museum in London.
You will take curatorial responsibility for several of our climate and earth sciences collections, which include both historical and modern instruments and equipment. You'll research and develop these collections, improve their accessibility, and help shape their future through strategic acquisition and interpretation.
Your work will include contributing to upcoming permanent gallery projects and temporary exhibitions, developing content for online platforms, and ensuring our collections speak to broad and diverse audiences. You'll also engage with internal teams and external stakeholders - from conservation and digitisation colleagues to researchers, partner organisations, and the public.
There is also significant scope to develop your own research, contribute to academic and public history outputs, and take part in shaping how SMG interprets climate and earth sciences for generations to come.
This is a permanent, full-time role based in London, with occasional travel to other SMG sites including the Science and Innovation Park near Swindon. We are open to flexible working arrangements and encourage applicants to discuss their preferred working patterns with us.
The team
You'll be joining an experienced group of curators and collections professionals with a keen interest in storytelling, scientific history, and audience engagement. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, and you'll work closely with teams across SMG - from Exhibitions and Learning to Conservation, Registration, and Research.
About you
We're keen to hear from applicants who bring curiosity, motivation, and a collaborative spirit. You don't need to have worked as a curator before - we welcome applications from those with transferable experience in research, public engagement, collections, or science communication.
You will have:
- Experience working with collections, research, or content development in a museum, cultural organisation, or relevant setting.
- A keen interest in the history of science, climate, or earth sciences - supported by experience or study.
- Skill in communicating specialist topics to broad audiences - whether via exhibitions, talks, blogs, or digital platforms.
- Strong collaboration and organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- A values-led mindset and a commitment to inclusive practice in research, interpretation, and public engagement.
We'd also love to hear from you if you:
- Have an interest in developing expertise in the material culture of climate and earth sciences.
- Have delivered presentations or tours to the public.
- Have experience in research, stakeholder engagement, or media work.
If you're excited about the role but not sure you meet every point, please still apply - we'd love to hear how your skills and experiences could make you a great fit.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process, or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.
What we offer
Working with a world-leading museum group, you'll benefit from the following, as well as support for major life events including parental leave, sickness, and career breaks:
- Meaningful work - Be part of a mission-led organisation supporting public understanding of science and climate.
- Career growth - We offer professional development, mentoring, and training opportunities.
- Work/life balance - Enjoy 27 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays), with hybrid and flexible working options.
- Wellbeing support - Access to an employee assistance programme, wellbeing app, and peer networks.
- Colleague networks - Join informal forums around shared interests and lived experience.
- Health & dental insurance - Peace of mind from day one.
- Enhanced pension scheme - Helping you save for the future.
- Great discounts - Free entry to exhibitions, and discounts in our shops, cafés, and NMDC partner museums.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.