Senior Preventive Conservator

Do you have the skills and confidence to safeguard collections through advanced preventive conservation? Are you ready to oversee the management of environmental care, make informed decisions around collection hazards, and guiding a small, motivated team?

The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford explores the science and culture of image and sound technologies, and their impact on our lives. The museum displays world-famous collections in photography, film, animation, broadcast and sound and gaming technologies.

We are looking for a knowledgeable Senior Preventive Conservator to work within our Conservation and Collection (C&CC) team at the National Science and Media Museum, during this busy and exciting time following the opening of two new permanent galleries.

This role will have both line management and project management responsibilities, working with Science Museum Group policies and protocols. In this role you’ll also be working with colleagues across Collection Services, Estates and Operations and you will be instrumental in the development and delivery of a proactive preventive conservation programme providing focused and consistent preventive care for SMG collections.

As a Senior Preventive Conservator, you will be covering a diverse range of activities. You will be responsible for the collection, reporting and use of our environmental data, feeding into development and improvement of policies and procedures and providing training and support around preventive matters, including hazard identification and management.

We’re looking for an experienced conservation professional who combines sound preventive conservation skills with the confidence to make informed decisions when working with collections hazards. You will bring a relevant conservation qualification or equivalent practical experience, along with experience in environmental monitoring, Integrated Pest Management, and advising on the storage and transport of collection items. You will be at ease with identifying and addressing hazards, such as those related to asbestos, radiation, or other risks, understanding when to make decisions on your own and when to seek assistance, ensuring the safety of both people and collections.

While formal asbestos or radiation training isn’t required (we’ll provide this), you should have the diligence, proficiency, and practical judgement to work with these risks effectively. You’ll also have a good grasp of UK Health and Safety practices, including contractor management, risk assessment, and collections hazard management, as well as effective communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency with MS Office and collections management databases is essential, while experience with staff management, MIMSY, advanced environmental monitoring, or remedial conservation of 3D composite objects would be an advantage.

Above all, you’ll be a steady and supportive presence in the team, able to lead by example, cultivate a collaborative approach, and uphold our commitment to open and inclusive practice in caring for our collections.

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under ‘Attachments’ on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click ‘Apply Online’ to submit an application.

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you’ll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group’s five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.