Scientist: polychromy and technical imaging

Vacancy for Scientist: polychromy and technical imaging

Salary: £36,396 per annum

Location: Bloomsbury, London (Hybrid)

Role Summary

Scientist: Polychromy and Technical Imaging
Full-time

Hybrid (at least 4 days per week on-site in Bloomsbury, London)
Permanent
£36,396 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026

About the role

The British Museum is seeking a talented and motivated Scientist specialising in polychromy and technical imaging to join our Scientific Research team.

In this role, you will focus on research across all forms of polychromy using spectroscopic analysis and non-invasive surface imaging. You will develop and collaborate on cross-departmental research projects addressing topics such as:

• Colour in context: understanding what polychrome objects looked like in the past
• Colours invisible: developing scientific tools for pigment discovery, understanding colour loss
• Colour as capital: high status colours, adulteration, peril/cost of procurement
• Colour palettes: artists of the past and how they worked

You'll use advanced analytical techniques and be responsible for maintaining two components of our scientific infrastructure that will be especially relevant to your research: Raman spectroscopy and the optics and imaging laboratory (multiband and RTI). In addition, you'll use other technologies available in the Department of Scientific Research including microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and XRF spectroscopy.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of heritage science, contributing to research that unlocks the stories behind decorated and polychrome objects across the Museum's world renowned collections.

• Conduct scientific research into pigments, polychromy and decorated surfaces using advanced analytical tools, providing scientific expertise to support conservation and curatorial enquiries.
• Support, maintain and develop technical imaging and Raman spectroscopy facilities, including user training and data management.
• Explore new technologies and analytical approaches to enhance understanding of decorated objects.
• Raise research funds through avenues such as research grants and cultivating relationships with patrons and sponsors, highlighting the importance of polychrome research to the Museum's aims.
• Produce research outputs including publications, conference presentations, web content, and exhibition materials.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and records are maintained, training is delivered and all health & safety and security procedures are observed for areas of oversight.

About you

We're looking for someone who is scientifically rigorous, collaborative, and passionate about applying advanced analytical methods within cultural heritage.

• Degree or Master's in relevant sciences such as physics, chemistry, heritage science, conservation science.
• Experience analysing pigments and using techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and multiband imaging.
• Ideally, you will have a track record of research on colourants from museum collections or other cultural heritage contexts.
• Strong organisational skills, able to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in scientific problem solving, data interpretation, and research communication.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong teamworking ability.

• Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
• Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation linked defined benefit.

The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants