The Fitzwilliam Museum: Opening up the past to transform our futures.
As the principal museum of the University of Cambridge and the largest cultural venue in the region, The Fitzwilliam Museum acts as a crucial bridge between the University, the City and the rest of the world, and has an international reputation for extraordinary research, world class exhibitions, award-winning public programmes and significant collections spanning many cultures and centuries. The Hamilton Kerr Institute (HKI) is one of the world's leading centres for teaching and research in conservation and heritage science.
We invite applicants for the role of Assistant Painting Conservator to contribute to the commercial and Museum conservation activities undertaken by the HKI at a level commensurate with the basic knowledge of a recent graduate, who is still building the experience necessary to become eligible for a position as a Painting Conservator able to work unsupervised and independently.
Responsibilities will include the supervised undertaking of practical conservation treatments with associated documentation, and the technical investigation of paintings through a range of standard investigative and analytical techniques, of which the role holder typically only has a basic or theoretical understanding. It also includes the introduction to, and participation in, the environmental monitoring and upkeep on site, implementation of preventive measures, in situ survey- and practical work, and day-to-day logistical tasks associated with the above activities and with meeting H&S requirements for safe working. In all cases, activities will be supervised and supported by other HKI staff.
The role aims to expand and develop the role holder's basic knowledge by setting relevant work tasks of increasing complexity, both practically and academically. The role holder will be supported in their further learning through being given the time to participate in relevant workshops held at the HKI, attending invited speaker talks, and the occasional attendance at conservation-focused conferences, e.g. in London, as appropriate to their individual development.
The Assistant Conservator may be involved in research projects led by others and may contribute to publication and dissemination of research in written and oral form, depending on the development of their documentation and research skills honed over their tenure. Some role holders may instead focus fully on gaining further and broader practical experience by undertaking a growing range of conservation work at increasing levels of difficulty, as commensurate with their skill level. At the end of the tenure, the role holder will be in a strong position to secure similar positions in other institutions, e.g. two- or three-year fellowships offered by other museum- and conservation research centres, where their skillset can be augmented beyond what the Hamilton Kerr Institute offers. They may also, in some cases, be eligible for an entry-level position as Painting Conservators in private practice or in museums, or on large-scale research projects, e.g. as Conservation Research Assistants
In return, we offer a supportive and inclusive workplace, a generous pension scheme, enhanced family leave, substantial holiday allowance, and a range of employee benefits, including retail discounts.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a security check.
Closing date for applications: 27th September 2026
Interviews for the role will be held: week commencing 12th October 2026
Please quote reference DB50461 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
