Heritage Science Manager

We are looking for an innovative Heritage Science Manager to lead all operational aspects of the BFI National Archive’s Moving Image Conservation Research Laboratory (MICRL); directing its development, enabling access to its major research themes and facilities as well as instigating original conservation research.  

Key responsibilities include:  

• Leading the MICRL heritage science laboratory, its equipment, systems and facilities. Managing technical aspects through to final quality control and delivery, in collaboration with KLC colleagues and RICHeS IHQ. 
• To manage RICHeS grant budget, with Head of Conservation, ensuring that the BFI’s Financial Procedures are followed for the management of all assets (including people).
• To develop and maintain strong relationships with senior colleagues across the BFI, with international peers and key figures across the film and TV industries and screen heritage sector. Coach and train colleagues in policies and procedures and collections-related knowledge and skills, including scientific techniques suitable for conservation treatment.   
• With the Head of Conservation and colleagues, develop policies, procedures and practices to achieve best practice for moving image conservation.   
• Be an ambassador for the BFI and maintain a professional approach at all times.  

We are looking for candidates who have:  

• Postgraduate degree in heritage science or related area   
• Substantial experience working within a research lab, centre, or facility.  
• Demonstrable experience operating one or more of the following: XRF, FTIR spectroscopy, NMR, Microfade testing, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis.  
• Experience of generation and interpretation of research data, creating written reports for various audiences.    

A full list of responsibilities and minimum requirements can be found in the job description.  

Benefits 

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + bank holidays + the option to buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave  
• Additional paid time off between Christmas and New Year 
• BFI pension scheme with 5% employer contribution 
• BFI Childcare Scheme, where we contribute to childcare costs for children up to the age of 14 
• Enhanced pay for Maternity & Paternity leave 
• Complimentary tickets to BFI Southbank & IMAX screenings and events 
• Free BFI Player subscription + discount on BFI DVDs, books, merchandise, and film tickets  

Plus many more, which can be found in our Working at the BFI information pack on our website.  

We support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation recognise that we need to address under representation within our teams. As such we strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our under-represented groups; who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are Black and Global Majority. We guarantee a place at the first stage selection process to our under-represented groups who meet our minimum requirements.   

Further details about the role, the BFI and our benefits can be obtained by clicking on the 'Apply' button above.

Depending on the volume of applications, you may be asked to complete a small task or attend a pre-interview screening call to further to assist the hiring team in shortlisting for this role. In this instance, interview dates may be subject to change.   

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Monday 26 January 2026 

First interviews will be held w/c Monday 09 February 2026 

Second interviews will be held w/c Monday 16 February 2026 

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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