Collections Assistant in Anthropology (Fixed Term)

Start Date: June 2026

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) is one of the nine University of Cambridge Museums and Botanic Garden (UCM). It is a sub-Department of the University Department of Social Anthropology and is a key resource for University teaching and research, particularly in collaboration with the Departments of Social Anthropology and Archaeology. Its world-class collections attract visiting researchers from all over the world, and it maintains an active programme of temporary exhibitions and loans to major exhibitions within the UK and internationally. MAA's collections are Designated for their national and international importance. For further information about the Museum's staff, collections, and programmes, see www.maa.cam.ac.uk

MAA is seeking to appoint a full-time Collections Assistant, to support the care of and access to anthropological collections. This is a fixed-term contract with funding available until 31 July 2027 in the first instance. The responsibilities will be wide-ranging, including working with the Collections Manager in Anthropology with day-to-day management and care of artefacts, responding to research enquiries and facilitating research visits to the collections. The post-holder will support the Museum's programme of international loans, assisting with administration and correspondence as well as the consignment, couriering and installation of artefacts in borrowing institutions.

The successful candidate will have relevant experience of working with museum collections, particularly ethnographic or world cultures. Experience of inter-museum loans would be highly desirable. They will have very good IT skills including spreadsheets and basic word processing and experience with collections management systems. Excellent attention to detail and very good written and verbal communication skills are essential as well as excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 July 2027 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

MAA and the University of Cambridge Museums are committed to inclusion and diversity within our institutions and across the sector, and we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Museum and the University.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Informal enquiries about this vacancy may be addressed to Rachel Hand, Collections Manager in Anthropology at rh259@cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: Faculty HR at hr@hsps.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference JU49187 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.

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