Documentation Officer

Do you thrive on investigating inconsistencies and uncovering the true story behind an object?

About us

The Conservation & Collections Care team (C&CC) supports all conservation activity across the collection and is responsible for establishing and maintaining conservation and collection care standards.

We are looking for a Documentation Officer to join us on a fixed‑term contract until the end of July 2027. This is a full‑time role, working 35 hours per week, based at the Science Museum in London.

About the role

As Documentation Officer, you will be instrumental in delivering changes to the museum's permanent galleries and improving how we understand the collection. You will support the project team by investigating and resolving complex documentation issues. Your work will include supporting the inventory and decant of the Making the Modern World Gallery at the Science Museum, which features objects such as Babbage's Difference Engine, Arkwright's water frame, and the distinctive lighthouse lens.

This role is part of the Documentation Team, which works group‑wide across all of SMG's collections. You will contribute to the wider aims of the team by investigating and resolving legacy issues, helping to maintain clear accountability for the objects in our care.

Hybrid working is available (a minimum of two days in the office), with some flexibility required to attend onsite more frequently at certain points in the project.

About you

Joining us, you will bring some knowledge of museum documentation and cataloguing, particularly experience in applying collections management standards such as Spectrum. You work effectively with collections data and take satisfaction in helping colleagues with queries, applying meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving to keep information accurate, consistent, and accessible.

You'll also have an interest in science, engineering, or social history collections, and be skilled at communicating and forming positive connections with colleagues.

Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

* Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
* Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
* Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
* Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
* Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
* Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
* Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
* Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
* Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=aHJzZXJ2aWNlLjc1OTMwLjExMTkzQHNjaWVuY2VtdXNldW0uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t