Research Assistant: Molecular Analysis (Animal Mummies)

The Department of Scientific Research at the British Museum is seeking to appoint a research assistant (RA) with expertise in molecular analysis of organic materials for a period of 12 months. The RA will join a new interdisciplinary research project which brings together curators, scientists and conservators to undertake a major study of the ancient Egyptian animal mummies curated at the British Museum and improve their analysis, documentation, interpretation and conservation. The post will focus on a detailed investigation of the chemical composition of organic substances associated with the mummies, such as embalming materials, anointing fluids or other kinds of treatment. The data generated will contribute to a forthcoming British Museum exhibition in 2026, as well as leading to academic publications and wider outreach and engagement activities. Key areas of responsibility:

• To undertake laboratory work for the extraction and analysis of organic substances from ancient Egyptian animal mummies using GC-MS, pyrolysis-GC-MS, and other analytical techniques, such as FTIR and microscopy, as required by the demands of the project.
• To adhere to best practice and established protocols within the BM's facilities for organic analysis, including data management policies and laboratory health and safety.
• To analyse, synthesize and interpret the data acquired and produce high quality reports including graphical presentation and statistical analysis as appropriate.
• To maintain full records of all samples via the project database
  
  BA/BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject.
• Experience in the analysis of organic materials, especially natural products, using technologies such as GC-MS, pyrolysis-GC-MS and FTIR.
• Working in a university department, analytical laboratory, museum or cultural heritage related environment.
• Good problem solving and organisational capabilities with some experience of supervision/training and project management.
• Track record of research into the organic analysis of objects in museum collections or other cultural heritage contexts. (Desirable)
• Experience in managing projects and data. (Desirable)
  
  Founded in 1753, the British Museum's remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
  
  You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years' service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
• Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
• Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
• Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
Additional details, We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations. Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest. You can find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants. Museum Website: https://bmrecruit.ciphr-irecruit.com//templates/CIPHR/jobdetail_7601.aspx