About the role

We are seeking an ambitious and knowledgeable Curator: Early South Asia to play a key role in researching, developing and sharing one of the most significant collections of South Asian heritage in the world.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a curator, researcher or museum professional with a specialist interest in the archaeology, art and material culture of South Asia to help make internationally important collections accessible to diverse audiences through research, display, publication and public engagement.

As Curator: Early South Asia, you will be responsible for the care, development, research and interpretation of collections spanning ancient to medieval South Asia, including material from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and parts of Afghanistan. Collections include archaeological assemblages, Indus Valley Civilisation material, Buddhist reliquaries, Amaravati sculpture and early Sri Lankan bronze and stone sculpture. You will collaborate with leading scholars and museum professionals and contribute to new interpretations of South Asia’s rich cultural heritage.

Whether through groundbreaking research, engaging public programmes or innovative collection interpretation, you will play a vital role in connecting people with the stories and cultures of Early South Asia.

About you

You will be an enthusiastic curator or researcher with specialist knowledge of Early South Asian history, archaeology, art history or material culture, coupled with a passion for sharing collections with broad audiences.

You will have:

• BA/BSc and postgraduate qualifications (MA, MSc or PhD) in a relevant discipline and membership of relevant professional bodies or societies.
• Demonstrable experience of research, fieldwork and publication in the relevant field.
• Experience working within a museum environment.
• Evidence of publication in peer-reviewed journals in a relevant subject such as South Asian art history, history, archaeology or museum studies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Able to engage audiences through talks, presentations and public-facing activities.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to balance multiple projects and priorities.
• Ideally, you will also have experience securing funding and experience of a temporary exhibition or gallery refurbishment.

Key areas of responsibility

Working collaboratively across the museum and with external partners, you will:

• Increase public access to collections and knowledge through exhibitions, publications, digital content and public programmes.
• Lead on improving and developing the documentation of the collection and curatorial records.
• Collaborate with relevant institutions or groups, developing good relations with relevant stakeholders.
• Undertake research into the Early South Asia collections and raise money to support them.
• Support gallery displays, collection interpretation and future exhibition projects, in particular, the Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery for South Asia.
• Build the collection through acquisition via donation and purchase.
• Respond to public and scholarly enquiries and act as an advocate for the museum and its collections.

The Masterplan

The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.