Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Western Art

Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Western Art

Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH
. Home working is possible at least one day a week.

The Ashmolean Museum is seeking an outstanding Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art to develop, interpret, and research post‑1945 collections within the Western Art Department. You will also lead the curatorial work for our experimental contemporary space, collaborating with artists and colleagues to deliver an ambitious programme.

You will contribute to the museum’s research and teaching mission through publications, talks, and university teaching, while working closely with colleagues on collections care, conservation, digitisation, and interpretation.

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term post for 5 years.

You have a postgraduate degree in modern and/or contemporary art and significant curatorial experience within a museum or gallery environment. You bring expertise in exhibitions, collections development, and the presentation of modern and contemporary art.

Experience working with contemporary artists, a strong research and publication profile, and the ability to engage specialist and non‑specialist audiences. Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills are essential, along with building professional relationships and supporting interns, volunteers, and students.

We genuinely care about well‑being and offer these benefits:

• 38 days of annual leave (bank holidays inclusive)
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loans

Our staff and students are diverse; we promote an inclusive culture. Flexibility includes flexible working and support for staff returning from extended absence and shared parental leave.

Upload CV and a supporting statement listing each of the essential and desirable selection criteria. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and can discuss training and professional development. Contact Dr John Chu, Keeper of Western Art () for role enquiries, or the GLAM Recruitment team () for recruitment queries.

Only applications received online by 12.00 BST on Monday 22 June 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected on Friday 10 July 2026 in‑person.

An automatic annual increment each year will be paid up to (and not including) the discretionary range within the University of Oxford’s grade 9 salary scale.

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