Organizer Information
The Fitzwilliam Museum, part of the University of Cambridge, is one of the UK's leading university museums and a major cultural institution in Cambridge. Founded as the principal museum of the University, it connects the University with local, national and international audiences through its collections, research, exhibitions and public programmes. Its collections span many cultures and centuries, while its programmes combine historical collections with contemporary artistic and scholarly perspectives. The museum also works closely with the Hamilton Kerr Institute, a leading centre for conservation and heritage science.
Title & Description
De Ying Research Associate and Curator, Contemporary Art
De Ying Research Associate and Curator, Contemporary Art Projects is a three-year, fixed-term position at the Fitzwilliam Museum, offering an opportunity to contribute to ambitious contemporary art exhibitions and develop research connected to the museum's collections. The successful candidate will provide curatorial expertise while bringing new perspectives, creative thinking and research approaches to contemporary projects.
The role is particularly suited to an experienced curator or researcher interested in contemporary art, museum collections, exhibition development and interdisciplinary collaboration. The museum encourages approaches that engage with diverse histories and under-represented audiences.
The Role Overview
- Position: Research Associate and Curator, Contemporary Art Projects
- Employer: Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge
- Contract: Fixed-term, three years in the first instance
- Salary: £37,694–£46,049
- Work type: Full-time research/curatorial position
- Department: Fitzwilliam Museum / Curatorial
- Reference: DA50470
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Reporting to: Not specified in the public listing
- Curator/Programme: Contemporary Art Projects and the museum's wider exhibition and research programme
Position & Tasks
The successful candidate will support the delivery of contemporary art projects and exhibitions while contributing to research on the museum's collections. Responsibilities include liaising with living artists and other stakeholders, undertaking collection and loans research, contributing to administrative processes, and preparing interpretive texts.
The role also involves collaboration with teams including Audience and Brand, Exhibitions, Development, Participation & Learning, and Public Programmes. The postholder will have opportunities to develop research partnerships across the University and participate in relevant research networks.
Categories
- Contemporary Art
- Visual Art
- Curatorial Practice
- Museum Studies
- Art Research
- Exhibition Development
- Cultural Heritage
Eligibility
The position is open to applicants who meet the requirements of the University of Cambridge and are eligible to live and work in the UK. The University states that it has a responsibility to ensure that all employees have the appropriate UK work eligibility. The museum also promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. No specific age or nationality restriction is stated in the public listing.
Program Benefits
This is a salaried employment opportunity rather than an artist grant or residency. Benefits include a university pension scheme, enhanced family leave, substantial holiday allowance and employee benefits such as retail discounts. The position also offers access to the Fitzwilliam Museum's research environment, opportunities for university partnerships and participation in research networks.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 27 September 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 19 October 2026
- Contract Duration: Three years initially
- Published: August 2026
Location
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Additional Details
The successful applicant will be required to undergo a basic disclosure/criminal records check and a security check after accepting an offer. The museum is particularly interested in candidates capable of bringing new perspectives to its collections, including perspectives that engage under-represented audiences and the diverse histories represented within the collections.
This opportunity should be considered a professional curatorial and research appointment, not an open exhibition call for artists. Applicants should therefore demonstrate relevant curatorial, research, exhibition or contemporary art experience rather than submit an artwork proposal alone.