We’re looking for a Curator
The Egypt Exploration Society is seeking a self‐motivated and well-organised individual for the role of Curator to manage its papyri and cartonnage collections. This is a unique opportunity to realise the full potential of these internationally significant collections and the will work across both Oxford, initially, and eventually, London playing a fundamental role in the foundation of the Grenfell and Hunt Papyrology Centre.
The successful applicant will be qualified to a minimum of doctorate level, or in the final stages of submitting, with experience of handling fragile organic materials, such as unmounted papyrus fragments, and a proven ability to work remotely and as part of a small team. Conservation training will be provided, if the right candidate requires it.
Reports to: Collections Manager
Salary: £33,400 per annum
Contract: FT, five-year fixed term (with the possibility of extension)
Location: The Papyrology Rooms, Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library, Oxford, 1 St John St, Oxford OX1 2LG and the Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine Studies / The Egypt Exploration Society, 3 Doughty Mews, London, WC1N 2PG*
Start date: April 2027
* The Curator will be expected to work primarily from Oxford until the Grenfell and Hunt Papyrology Centre opens in 2028 when the place of work will switch to London.
The Society would consider supporting an application for a Skilled Worker Visa under occupation code 2472, job type ‘Archivists, conservators and curators’, if you do not currently have the right to work in the UK. Any offer of employment would be subject to acquiring that permission.
How to apply
Send your completed application form to [email protected] no later than 17:00 (UK) on Friday 4th December 2026. You should include a bibliography of published works and an example of your scholarship (a thesis is acceptable). Please do not include a CV as only the form and writing sample will be considered by the selection panel. If you would like to discuss the post further on an informal basis, please contact the Director, Dr Carl Graves: [email protected].
Applicants not meeting the eligibility criteria will not be considered by the panel.
Applicants are also encouraged to complete and return our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form with their application to enable us to monitor our recruitment process in relation to our equal opportunities policy.
Your application should represent your authentic personality and communication skills. We encourage you not to use AI-generated answers in your application. The Society will not monitor applications or questions sent via third-party or social media channels.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview over Zoom in the week commencing Monday 11th January 2027. Questions will be sent to the candidates in advance.
The successful applicant would ideally commence their role by April 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
