Organizer Information
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is a major museum dedicated to art, design and creativity, with a collection spanning approximately 5,000 years and more than 2.8 million objects. Based in London, the V&A develops exhibitions, publications, events, educational programmes, digital experiences, conservation and research across a wide range of creative disciplines. The museum is committed to Equity, Sustainability, Generosity, Collaboration and Creativity, as well as equality, diversity and inclusion.
Title & Description
Exhibition Research Assistant — Art and Design in Florence, c.1450–1750
The V&A is recruiting an Exhibition Research Assistant to support the development and delivery of a major exhibition focusing on Art and Design in Florence from approximately 1450 to 1750. The role supports the Exhibition Co-Curators through research, curatorial administration, object selection, lender relations, publication preparation and exhibition development. The exhibition will be accompanied by a publication and a programme of related events.
The Role Overview
- Position: Exhibition Research Assistant
- Department: Decorative Art and Sculpture
- Reports to: Senior Curator, Sculpture / Exhibition Co-Curator
- Contract: Fixed-term, 24 months
- Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week
- Salary: £28,520–£32,925
- Work pattern: Flexible by agreement
- Working model: Hybrid, with a minimum of 60% of working time on site
- Location: V&A South Kensington, London
- Potential start date: 23 November 2026
Position & Tasks
The successful candidate will undertake research and curatorial administration supporting the exhibition and its accompanying publication and events. Responsibilities include researching relevant subjects, collections, archives and objects; contributing to exhibition themes and structure; and assisting with object selection and research trips.
The role includes maintaining object records, coordinating object movements, photography and conservation requisitions, and updating the V&A Collections Management System. The assistant will also support lenders and prepare loan request correspondence.
For the publication, duties include compiling bibliographies, illustration lists, object checklists, timelines and captions, assisting with proofreading and indexing, liaising with authors and the V&A Publishing team, and writing one or more short essays.
Additional responsibilities include picture research, copyright and permissions tracking, assisting with commissioned films and interactive interpretation, preparing object label information, editing exhibition text, and supporting partnerships with academic institutions, lenders and other venues. The assistant will collaborate with exhibition designers and liaise with departments including Learning, Marketing, Press, Digital Media, Events and Commercial.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Art History
- Museum Studies
- Curatorial Practice
- Exhibition Research
- Sculpture
- Decorative Arts
- Renaissance Art and Design
- Research & Writing.
Eligibility
The opportunity is intended for candidates with research experience and knowledge of Florentine art and design, particularly a period within the 15th–18th centuries. Candidates should be able to conduct independent research and demonstrate strong written and spoken English.
Italian language skills are required, particularly reading and writing, with speaking ability desirable. Applicants should also have experience or knowledge of collections management procedures and museum-object handling, picture and audio-visual research, copyright clearances, and relevant IT systems.
Experience researching or delivering temporary exhibitions or permanent displays is desirable. The V&A welcomes diverse applicants and operates a Disability Confident scheme, guaranteeing interviews to applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum role criteria.
Program Benefits
This is a paid professional museum position offering direct experience within the V&A's curatorial and exhibition-production environment. Benefits include 29 days of annual leave plus public holidays, employee and employer pension contributions, life assurance, family-friendly policies, and eligible interest-free loans.
Employees also receive free entrance to many major museums and exhibitions, retail discounts, V&A exhibition tickets for themselves and guests, and a 25% discount at V&A shops and cafés. An Employee Assistance Programme and staff social activities are also provided.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 September 2026
- Interview/assessment: 14–16 October 2026
- Potential start date: 23 November 2026
- Contract duration: 24 months
Location
V&A South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
The V&A uses anonymous shortlisting, meaning hiring managers do not see applicants' names, contact details or equality data during the shortlisting stage. Candidates should be prepared for a role involving substantial research, detailed administrative work, multiple deadlines and collaboration across museum departments and with external partners.
The position is particularly suited to someone with an academic or professional interest in Florentine art and design, Renaissance and early modern culture, museum collections, exhibition development and curatorial research, combined with strong Italian and English-language abilities.