Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.

Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.

That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.

We are looking for a Conservation Scientist to join our team. The role is full time and permanent, working 36 hours per week.

The Benefits

- Salary from £39,966, depending on skills and experience

- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years

- Matched pension contributions up to 10%

- Flexible hours

- The opportunity to progress your career within the heritage sector

- Apprenticeship opportunities

- Subscriptions to professional bodies

- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to six friends and family members

- 25% discount in our shops and cafes

- Enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental leave

- Options to buy additional leave

- An inclusive working atmosphere everybody is supported from all backgrounds, religions and with different needs

- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events

This is a great opportunity for a scientist or conservator with good scientific background to make a significant contribution to preserving the National Collection and to preventive conservation internationally.

As Collections Conservation Scientist you will provide advice and support and research to regional collection conservation teams undertaking preventive conservation. You will manage extensive environmental monitoring systems, commission new systems and specify environments, research into object deterioration and sustainable preventive conservation approaches

To be considered as a Collections Conservation Scientist, you'll need:

A degree in physical sciences

or

Masters in Conservation and two years relevant preventive conservation or scientific research experience (please indicate in your covering letter why your experience is relevant)

or

equivalent relevant experience.

Experience of scientific research and publications.

Current understanding of deterioration and preventive conservation standards.

Proven ability to operate and interpret analytical techniques.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 2nd February at Rangers House, SE London.

If you would like to talk to us e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact David Thickett, senior conservation scientist, on david.thickett@english-heritage.org.uk or 07770397964 (after 12 January). No agencies please.

Find out more about us and what we do: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/ You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/our-people/careers-with-us/

Everybody's welcome at English Heritage

Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.

We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.

Closing date: 26/01/2026 23:59:59

You will need to refer to the following documents when completing your application.

Job Description