Job Description

Opportunity ID

631

Location

IWM Duxford

Salary

31,000

Hours

36 hours net per week

Department

Narrative and Content

Position type

Fixed Term

Length of employment

23 months

Job Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key part in the next phase of Imperial War Museums' (IWM) ambitious Digital Futures Strategy. Over the next decade, IWM aims to digitise all relevant film and photographic collections relating to the Second World War, ahead of the conflict's centenary. With over 4.6 million photographs and 40,000 reels of film, this collection represents nearly half of IWM's entire film and photographic holdings. Our goal is to make these materials accessible to the widest possible audiences by 2036.


As Assistant Curator on the Digital Futures 2 project, you will be part of the Second World War and mid-twentieth century conflict curatorial team--one of four Narrative Teams responsible for developing and interpreting IWM's collections. You'll contribute to public programmes, exhibitions, and digital outputs, while supporting access to collections for both internal and external audiences.


What You Will Be Doing

Preparing and documenting large volumes of photographic material for digitisation. Creating and enhancing records in IWM's Axiell collections management system. Cataloguing selected collections to improve accessibility and public engagement. Reviewing content for sensitivities and reporting findings. Coordinating with Collections Care teams to ensure accountability and quality assurance before and after digitisation. Collaborating with colleagues across departments including Visual Resources, Movement and Storage, and Collections Systems. Supporting the delivery of content for exhibitions, learning programmes, fundraising, and digital engagement. Contributing to IWM's Collections Development Plan and Digital Futures Strategy. Promoting access to collections and sharing expertise with colleagues and the public.

Who We Are Looking For


Essential:

A degree or equivalent experience in History, Visual Culture, Curation, or a related field. A strong interest in 20th-century history and the visual culture of the Second World War. Understanding of IWM's mission and the broader museum sector. Familiarity with legal, ethical, and professional frameworks in museums. Experience in researching and interpreting museum collections. Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet tools.

Desirable:

Experience working in a museum or heritage environment. Experience handling photographic material. Awareness of museum collections management systems, especially Axiell.

Apply Now

Join us in shaping the future of one of the world's most significant collections of war photography and film. If you're passionate about history, digital access, and curatorial work, we'd love to hear from you.

For a full list of duties and the person specification which your application will be marked against, please view the .

Application closing date

November 24th 2025, 9:00 AM

Interview Details

Interviews for this post are planned for the week commencing 1 December 2025


Benefits
The benefits listed below are discretionary and IWM reserves the right, with due notice, to vary or withdraw them at any time. All such benefits apply during the course of your employment only.

Annual Leave:

You'll have 25 days of annual leave, with public holidays on top. After 3 years, this increases to 27 days and after 5 years, you'll get 30 days

Company Group Pension Plan:

Our commitment to your financial well-being includes competitive employer contributions to your pension starting at 7% to a maximum of 12%.

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Benefits:

Celebrate life's milestones with confidence, knowing that our policies support growing families.

IWM4me:

Tailor your benefits to your unique needs through IWM4me. Access health, protection, and lifestyle benefits at corporate rates, ensuring your holistic well-being.

Free Sanitary Products:

We prioritise your comfort by providing free sanitary products across all our sites.

Retail Discounts:

25% off IWM Cafes, 20% discount in on-site shops, Benefits hub offering retail discounts to several high street shops (via our EAP provider) and MyActive discounts for health and wellbeing based retail discounts (via IWM4me)

Free Entry to IWM Air Shows:

Witness the thrill of vintage aircraft at our air shows.

Free Entry to Partner Museums & Galleries:

Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture through our reciprocal arrangements with other institutions.

In-House Training Programmes:

Fuel your intellectual curiosity and professional growth through our comprehensive training initiatives.

Season Ticket Loan Scheme:

Simplify your daily commute with our interest-free loan program.

Cycle 2 Work & Cycle Hire

:

Promote well-being and environmental consciousness by cycling to work.

Eye Tests:

Money back up to 80 for an eye test and a new pair of glasses.

Employee Assistance Programme:

Access confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.

Benenden Healthcare & Dental Insurance:

Prioritise your health with access to quality healthcare services (subject to terms and conditions).

Civil Service Sports Club Membership:

Opportunity to join and enjoy additional discounts and perks as part of a vibrant community.

Staff Events and Networks:

Join fellow colleagues in social gatherings and events, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.

...and more!


Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Apply now and become part of IWM!

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This role is subject to:



A basic check, which shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.


Equal Opportunities and Flexible Working
IWM is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities.




We miss out when people feel IWM isn't for them, and are committed to removing and reducing barriers to make IWM open to everyone.




Our Access and Inclusion strategy has been developed to promote openness, equal opportunities to access, inclusivity and encourage diversity in everything that we do, from employment practices, the services we provide to our visitors to the facilities we make available to public.




At IWM we seek to address the need for greater diversity within our workforce as well as the wider museum and heritage sector. In all our practices we embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity and we welcome applications from suitable candidates of all backgrounds.



We value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you please raise this with your recruitment contact, as we are open to discussing agile working opportunities during the hiring process.