WORKING AT THE ASHMOLEAN
VACANCIES
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
STAFF BENEFITS
Ashmolean staff enjoy a raft of benefits, including free exhibition entry to most national museums and gardens, and access to the incredible resources of Oxford University.
We asked our staff which benefits they most valued:
- £1 hot drinks from our cafe
- Shop discount of 20%
- Christmas party
- Lots of holiday (38 days, inclusive of public holidays and bank holidays, plus extra days for long service)
- Free access to colleges and Botanic Gardens with staff card
- Free entry to other museums with our staff card (NMDC reciprocal agreement)
- Free exhibition tickets for the Ashmolean and tickets for friends and family
- Training courses; as part of Oxford University the Ashmolean can offer a host of staff-development training opportunities through the Oxford Learning Institute (IT training is a particular favourite)
- Travel benefits, including discounted bus and train travel
- Bodleian card, which provides access to Oxford University’s fantastic libraries
- Good pension scheme
- Cycle scheme including discounts on purchasing a bicycle
- NUS membership
- Travel discounts including peak and off-peak parking permits
- Oxford University Press discounts (books)
- Sports club discounts (Oxford University & Oxford Brookes University)
- UNI days (OU activities)
Full benefits are available from the Oxford University staff handbook
WORKING AT THE MUSEUMS, LIBRARIES & GARDENS
We asked our staff, across the University of Oxford's Gardens, Libraries and Museums, to talk about their jobs and what led them to work here.
Enjoy our collection of career videos and discover more about working with us.
PAINTINGS CONSERVATOR
MARKETING & DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
TEACHING CURATOR
HEAD OF REGISTRARS & EXHIBITIONS
EDUCATION OFFICER
DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGER
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE MANAGER
COLLECTIONS OFFICER
The University of Oxford also has guidance and resources available, to help with searching for jobs, building skills, cover letters and application forms, writing a CV, and preparing for interviews.
VOLUNTEERING
Our invaluable volunteers help make the Ashmolean such an exciting place to visit and learn. Click on the button below to find out who they are and how you can join the team.
EARLY CAREER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Click on the button below to find out more about research opportunities at the Museum and about how to apply for funding.
APPRENTICESHIPS
The Ashmolean, as part of Oxford University, offers a number of apprenticeships.
INTERNSHIPS
Ashmolean-specific internship opportunities will be advertised (when available) under our main jobs vacancies section and below.
SSelect the arrow to expand the details of the post and to find out how to apply.
The Shifrin Lalji Somani Islamic Art Internship is an ambitious five-week programme focussing on the Museum’s Islamic holdings.
The recipient will have the unique opportunity to gain insight into this area of the Ashmolean Museum collection, as well as the Eastern Art department more broadly.
The intern will work closely with the Curator of Islamic art to document and research the Islamic art collection with specific focus on object provenance. S/he will have a desk in the Eastern art department and will be expected to work mainly with onsite and Oxford resources including office files, internal/external archival resources and libraries. S/he should also be able to navigate online research tools and use them effectively to enhance object documentation.
Over the 5-week period, the intern will also have the opportunity to gain experience in handling and examining original artworks, for which specialist handling training would be provided. Exposure to other museum departments and their activities will also be part of this experience, and s/he will have the opportunity to actively contribute to them.
The post will be full-time (36.5 hours), it will be remunerated at £11.16 – £11.39 per hour (Grade 3.1–3.2), depending on experience, and will be expected to start around mid-July and end by mid-August 2023. Please note that, if offered the post, the candidate will be asked to provide proof of right-to-work in the UK and proof of identify.
Please submit all applications to Dr Francesca Leoni, email: francesca.leoni@ashmus.ox.ac.uk as Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF documents.
Each application should include a CV and a supporting statement outlining how the candidate meets each of the selection criteria (see below for further details). Please note that CVs (alone) will not be considered.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 30 March 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview during the week of 17 April 2023.
Applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates are especially encouraged.
Selection criteria:
- A BA in an area of Middle Eastern studies and demonstrated interest in the field of Islamic art history;
- Interest in pursuing a career in museums or the heritage sector and previous record of active involvement with similar cultural institutions;
- Working knowledge of Arabic, Persian or Turkish;
- High level of accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail;
- Ability to conduct research autonomously and pro-actively, but also to follow guidance and work with others;
- Good communication and IT skills, including social media;
- Prior knowledge of database systems, especially if museum-based, is a plus.

STUDENT PLACEMENTS
Get in touch with us by email at human.resources@ashmus.ox.ac.uk to find out more about our placements for 16–18 year olds.
Currently, there are no opportunities.
AT UNIVERSITY OR IN FURTHER EDUCATION?
If you’re studying at a further or higher education course and are interested in a placement at the Ashmolean, contact us by email at human.resources@ashmus.ox.ac.uk outlining your interest, subject you're studying and why you’d especially like to come to the Ashmolean to gain experience.
Currently, there are no opportunities.
Read our Equality and Diversity Statement
USEFUL WEB LINKS
- Equality and Diversity at the University of Oxford
- Oxford Maps and Directions
- Ashmolean Contact List
- University of Oxford Website
- University of Oxford Staff Benefits
- Handbook for Academic Related Staff
- Handbook for University Support Staff
- University of Oxford Academic Related Payscales
- University of Oxford Support Staff Payscales
- University of Oxford Museums Volunteers Service
- Jobs and Vacancies at Oxford University