Research Manager

Collections Trust helps museums work with the information that connects audiences and collections. Our standards and advice are used around the world to make museum collections accessible.

At an exciting time in the history of this small - but influential - charity, the Research Manager role will play a pivotal part in shaping the future of Collections Trust. This role will ensure we develop a dynamic and ambitious interface with the wider research community realising the potential of circa 80 million objects held in UK accredited museums.

The Research Manager is responsible for connecting stakeholders and funders to develop innovative and ambitious research programmes that realise the potential of collections information to impact wider museum practice, science and society.

Note that Collections Trust has no central office, and all staff work remotely from home.

Line management

Reports to the Chief Executive of Collections Trust. Does not line-manage other staff.

Other key relationships

Individuals working across Collections Trust and the Museum Data Service; UKRI research councils; other funding bodies; national sector bodies; international counterparts, universities and other independent research organisations.

Main responsibilities and tasks

• Develop and implement a forward-thinking research strategy that positions Collections Trust as the leader of innovative research engagement with museum data.
• Deepen Collections Trust’s capacity to participate in high quality museum and collections data research projects. Bring together diverse stakeholders to develop collaborative research proposals that engage with museum collections data.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among Collections Trust and Museum Data Service team members, research partners, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee research projects from conception to completion, including managing grant applications, budgeting, team coordination, dissemination and publication of findings.
• Work with project leads, project partners, and other stakeholders to ensure projects remain aligned with Collections Trust’s strategic aims.
• Work with the Chief Executive and Finance Manager to develop the research grant income stream, including the preparation of project budgets, funding applications and proposals.
• Be open, responsive, and proactive about potential research projects, whilst keeping in mind Collections Trust’s projects have a particular focus on:
  • using collections data for innovative research projects.
  • enabling museums to benefit from responsible AI collections data enrichment.
  • new and emerging approaches to collections management.

The Research Manager will need to be based in, and have the right to work in, the UK.

Further information and how to apply

Application is by CV and a covering letter that succinctly explains how you meet the essential and desirable criteria set out in the person specification. Please note that applications from people based outside the UK and/or without the right to work here will not be considered.

Further information, person specification and where to send your application can be found on the Collections Trust website via the 'Apply' button.

The closing date for applications is 9am on Thursday 24 July 2025. 

Interviews Wednesday 20 August 2025.

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