Preventive Conservator: Exhibitions

Job Summary

The British Museum is seeking an experienced Preventive Conservator to play a leading role in the preventive care of one of the world’s most significant collections.

Job Description

You'll bring strong experience in preventive conservation, contribute to high-profile exhibitions and international collaborations, work alongside expert colleagues across disciplines, and help shape best practice in preventive conservation for years to come. This is a specialist post with a strong focus on exhibitions, loans and international touring, supporting the Museum's ambitious exhibition programme and long-term strategic priorities. The role combines strategic oversight, technical expertise and people leadership, and will contribute to the delivery of the Museum's Masterplan and capital projects. You'll balance project work with core function activities, apply your experience and creativity to develop new techniques and lead on major internal/museum wise projects in relation to collection care and preventive conservation. This is a rare opportunity to work at a world-leading museum during a period of significant transformation.

Job Requirements

A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent experience) and working towards PACR accreditation Excellent knowledge and experience of contemporary preventive conservation principles and practice Practical experience of exhibition and display-related conservation activities Strong understanding of conservation theory, ethical decision making and health and safety requirements Proven ability to manage projects, solve problems and make sound professional judgements Excellent communication skills, with the ability to motivate and influence, collaborate with and present to a range of audiences Ideally, you will have experience of working on complex projects and of exhibition design and build

Job Responsibilities

Lead in the coordination of preventive conservation activities for exhibitions, loans and touring projects, ensuring delivery to time and budget Lead on the care of the collection through on environment (temperature, relative humidity, light and pollutants), and support Integrated Pest Management Independently assess the condition of collections and contribute to the preventative conservation of collections made of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials by proposing environmental management solutions for long-term preservation Solve complex conservation challenges related to exhibition delivery, using professional judgement, innovation and adaptability Collaborate with and influence colleagues and stakeholders on collection care and conservation matters Support and advise partner institutions in the UK and internationally on collection care standards Line manage and mentor staff, aligning individual objectives with departmental and organisational priorities

Useful Links

Apply now via the British Museum website

Job Overview

Job Title: Preventive Conservator: Exhibitions
Salary: £30k-£40k
Hours: Full time
Artform: Museums
Role: Curation
Contract: Contract
Closing date: Mon, 30 Mar 2026
Location:

London

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Job: Preventive Conservator: Exhibitions

Organisation: The British Museum

Postcode: WC1B 3DG

How to Apply

All applications must be made via the British Museum website.

Contact name: Anna George
Contact email: [email protected]

Apply now

About The British Museum

Founded in 1753, the British Museum was the first national public museum in the world. From the outset it was a museum of the world, for the world, and this idea still lies at the heart of the Museum's mission today. The collection tells the stories of cultures across the world, from the dawn of human history, over two million years ago, to the present.

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