Recruitment Information - Researcher: Tools of Knowledge Fixed term for 18 months - National ...
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Recruitment Information Researcher: Tools of Knowledge Fixed term for 18 months
Researcher: Tools of Knowledge: Modelling the Creative Communities of the Scientific Instrument Trade, 1550-1914 (Fixed term 18 months) £31,534 - £34,291 per annum plus membership of Civil Service pension scheme The AHRC-funded project ‘Tools of Knowledge: Modelling the Creative Communities of the Scientific Instrument Trade, 1550-1914’ commenced in January 2021 and is led by Professor Liba Taub of the University of Cambridge. The project will assemble a large volume of diverse data and apply cutting-edge methods of digital analysis to explore almost four centuries of the scientific instrument trade in Britain and Ireland. It aims to provide highly accessible information on the history of science, as it relates to commerce, industry, teaching, and questions of local, national and international geography. As the ‘Tools of Knowledge’ Researcher, you will be based at National Museums Scotland, which holds a significant collection of historic scientific instruments. You will work with the project team, particularly Dr Rebekah Higgitt, Acting Keeper of Science & Technology at NMS and Dr Alex Butterworth (Sussex Humanities Lab, University of Sussex), to help develop and contribute to a number of defined case studies on the locations, movements and contexts of instruments and makers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These case studies are designed to help the project team expand and remodel the existing dataset, Scientific Instrument Makers, Observations and Notes (SIMON), which comprises more than 10,000 records on individual instrument makers and firms, and to create new historical knowledge and develop new ways of interrogating and visualising the data. Qualified to postgraduate level, you will have specialised knowledge of either – and a demonstrable interest in both – the history of scientific instruments and/or techniques of data modelling and digital analysis of historical and collections data. You must have proven research ability, be able to work effectively to meet deadlines, both independently and as part of a team, and possess excellent communication and ICT skills. You will be expected to travel to undertake research at other institutions, including project partners Royal Museums Greenwich and the Science Museum, London, as well as to attend project meetings, workshops and conferences. This is a fixed-term full-time post for 18 months. You are provided with a job description and person specification for further detail about the post. To apply visit www.nms.ac.uk. The closing date for completed applications is Monday, 28 June 2021 at midnight. Please state reference number NMS21/21. It is anticipated that the selection event will take place on/around 19 July 2021. Please note that CVs are not considered as part of applications and will not be forwarded to the shortlisting process. Find out more about National Museums Scotland and our range of employee benefits. National Museums Scotland is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are keen that our workforce profile reflects the diversity of our visitors and audiences. Therefore, all jobs at National Museums Scotland are open to everyone and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds, irrespective of sex, gender identity, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We welcome candidates who think they have the required skills and can make a contribution in this key role.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Researcher: Tools of Knowledge
Department: Science & Technology Section: Science
Directorate: Collections Grade: 4 Hours: 37 week/ 18
months fixed-term
contract
Purpose of Post:
To deliver individual and collaborative research on the history of scientific instruments
and their makers as part of the Tools of Knowledge AHRC-funded research project.
To develop and contribute to a number of defined case studies as part of a wider team
by, augmenting and helping to model data on scientific instruments and museum
collections.
Key Responsibilities:
Undertake a core element of planned research, using specialist knowledge, and
the Museum’s collections where appropriate, including archival and object
research and digital analysis of historic and collections data.
Be expert in researching and modelling the history of the scientific instrument
trade and distribution and use of instruments in Britain and Ireland, 1700-1900 for
the Tools of Knowledge project and National Museums Scotland, providing
internal and external advice and research mentoring where relevant.
Contribute to the research methodology and analytical approach.
Write and contribute to publications of international quality in peer-reviewed
publications as appropriate to the agreed research programme
Contribute to the academic dissemination of research findings through peer
reviewed publications, presenting at conferences and other activities as required.
Contribute to the delivery of public engagement, education and outreach activities
for non-specialist audiences as relevant to Tools of Knowledge.
Contribute to the disparate case studies identified within the wider project
Represent National Museums Scotland’s collections and research in the
academic and cultural sectors as required.
Engage in continuous professional development and be responsible for
continually updating their own knowledge and understanding in the history of
science and scientific instrument collections.
Ensure intellectual rigour and adherence to ethical standards and legislative
requirements in the research for which they are responsible.
Commit to good health and safety and access practice and ensure familiarity with
National Museums’ health and safety and access policies, procedures and
guidelines.
Expected Outcomes:
A completed programme of research that delivers the aims of the project, and
enhances National Museums Scotland’s profile, by adding new understanding of,
and ways of modelling and visualising, the scientific instrument trade and
collections of scientific instruments.
Academic and public outputs as outlined in the proposal for Tools of Knowledge.
Reports to:
Keeper of Science & Technology at National Museums Scotland
Facts and Figures:
Budget: None
Staff Managed: None
Indirect Staff Managed: Possible management of volunteers
Other:
Thinking skills (Judgement/decisions made):
Self-management and motivation
Research skills: ability to plan a research programme and conduct research
Professional skills: ability to apply pre-existing knowledge to new situations
Decision-making linked to research focus and analysis in the field
Recognition of issues requiring upward referral
Communication and Contact:
Internal:
Line manager/ Co-I
Science Section, Department of Science & Technology
Research and Academic Liaison Manager
Collections Information
Learning & Programmes Department
Digital media/External Relations
External:
Principal Investigator (University of Cambridge)
Project team (University of Sussex and University of Cambridge)
Research Partners (Royal Museums Greenwich, Science Museum)
Project advisory board
Other museums and related organisations
Related project teams
Most challenging parts of the job:
Self-management and motivation
Making recommendations about design and delivery of project case studies
Proactively building relationships and collaborating actively with internal and
external contacts nationally and internationally
Co-ordinating with a multi-institutional team, partners and advisors
Other Requirements e.g. Multi-site working, on call, etc:
Must be willing to work off-site and to travel to carry out research at other
institutions and in order to attend project meetings, workshops and conferences.
Organisational Chart:
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Post Title: Researcher (Tools of Knowledge: Modelling the Creative Communities of the
Scientific Instrument Trade, 1550-1914)
Department: Science & Technology Section: Science
Directorate: Collections Grade: 4 Hours: 37 (net)
Knowledge Essential or Evidence assessed
desirable by
A Masters or equivalent in relevant Essential Certificate (or
subject evidence)
Knowledge of relevant external bodies and Essential Application / Selection
individuals, e.g. museums with science Event
collections, historians of science or Linked
Open Data projects.
Understanding and knowledge of research Essential Application/Selection
methodology and dissemination of results. Event
A relevant PhD or equivalent. Desirable Certificate (or
evidence)
Knowledge of potential health & safety Desirable Application/Selection
issues relevant to the specialist area Event
Skills Essential or Evidence assessed
desirable by
Ability to proactively build relationships and Essential Application/Selection
collaborate actively with internal and event
external contacts nationally and
internationally
Excellent presentation and communication Essential Application / Selection
skills, e.g. preparing publications and Event
lectures, social media and public
engagement
ICT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook Essential Application / Certificate
and databases
Ability to work on your own and as part of a Essential Application/ Selection
team Event
Ability to work to deadlines Essential Application / Selection
Event
Experience Essential or desira Evidence assessed by
ble
Experience of planning and Essential Application / Selection
undertaking research projects Event
Experience of conducting Essential Application / Selection Ev
public presentations to a ent
variety of audiences
Experience of working within Essential Application / Selection Ev
specialist subject area ent
Record of publication in area of Desirable Application
specialism
Experience of working in a Desirable Application/Selection
collections-based institution such Event
as a museum, library or heritage
organisation.
Experience of supervising volunt Desirable Application / Selection Ev
eers ent
Experience of working with and Desirable Application/ Section
analysing datasets Event
National Museums Scotland has a Competency Framework with six
competencies. Individuals for this job are expected to demonstrate competence in all six;
these will be assessed from the Application Form, and, if you are invited to attend, at the
Selection Event.
Competency Level Detail
Building Relationships 2 Collaborates with others
Works effectively and Understands other National Museums
professionally as part of their Scotland departments and priorities and how
team and co-operates with these relate to their own area of work.
others across the organisation; Promotes and raises awareness of own role
collaborates and networks and department, internally or externally.
externally for specific outcomes Encourages co-operation between, people,
and projects; forms departments, sites and directorates.
partnerships, nationally and Considers and sees different perspectives on
internationally for mutual issues, between people, across departments
benefit. or organisations for mutual benefit.
Works with external stakeholders and
organisations to deliver our objectives.
Communications & Engaging 2 Engages and Influences others
Communicates regularly, accurately, timely
Uses communication and and appropriately.
interpersonal skills flexibly Facilitates two – way communication,
across all channels of encouraging dialogue and exchange both
communication, to engage, throughout and outwith the organisation.
influence, persuade and Adapts own style of communication to suit
negotiate ensuring a shared different people’s needs.
understanding and commitment Demonstrates empathy and understanding in
to act. all communications.
Confidently influences others, rather than
manipulating or imposing ideas.
Focussing on your 2 Is proactive in understanding customer needs
Customers Requests and receives feedback from
customers in a constructive and positive
Places the customer at the heart way.
of what they do, engages, Anticipates customer concerns and reactions;
listens and responds to deliver and pre-empts these by addressing them
exemplary service, creating an upfront
outstanding experience; Is able to assess quickly what a customer
supporting a culture of service wants and gets straight to their needs.
excellence, both internally and Offers a ‘bespoke’ service and solution to the
externally. customer, meeting any special requirements.
Responds, calmly, tactfully and firmly when
dealing with difficult situations to resolve the
issue.
Improving & Innovating 2 Seeks opportunities to continuously improve
Seizes opportunities and acts quickly before
Builds personal, professional they are lost.
and organisational capability by Thinks creatively and solves problems
keeping up-to-date, being collaboratively
creative, sharing ideas, taking Facilitates and plans in opportunities for staff
risks, looking inside and out to and stakeholders to contribute their ideas and
continuously improve National suggestions.
Museums Scotland. Accesses networking and expert groups,
benchmarks other organisations.
Maintains and shares a network of useful
external contacts to facilitate learning and
idea generation.
Leading & Managing 1 Manages tasks and activities
Allocates work based on knowledge, skills
Sets direction and standards to and available time and resources, providing
drive individual, team and clear instructions and specifications.
organisational performance by Recognises the achievement and
involving, supporting, performance of others and gives them credit.
developing and enabling staff Provides others with regular feedback and
and others to effectively coaches in a constructive manner.
contribute to the present and the Motivates by making people feel valued and
future of National important in interactions and by celebrating
Museums Scotland. successes.
Encourages an open, safe and approachable
environment by listening and not judging.
Planning for Success 2 Develops and implements plans
Develops and implements plans for delivery,
Ensures effective delivery and building in flexibility to cope with last minute
completion by realistically demands.
planning and prioritising tasks Takes into consideration the impact of actions
and managing workload; and decisions on others and puts in place
develops and manages plans, measures to minimise them.
programmes and projects, in Consults with relevant stakeholders to ensure
consultation with stakeholders the output, the outcome and the plan to meet
and within existing priorities, their needs.
people resources and budgets. Prioritises own workload to meet conflicting
demands.
Thinks ahead to identify potential obstacles
and proactively solves issues to minimise the
impact on delivery.General Information – Researcher: Tools of Knowledge
Salary
The salary range is £31,534 to £34,291 per annum. Salary on appointment will be subject to qualifications and
experience and will normally be within the bottom quarter of the pay range. Pay, including pay progression, is
reviewed in negotiation with the recognised trade unions, with an annual settlement date of 1 April.
Where an internal candidate successful applies for a post which is the same grade as their current post, they will
transfer to the new post on the same salary with pay progression as normal.
Hours
Normally a five-day week of 37 hours, excluding lunch breaks. Normal hours of attendance are Monday to
Thursday 08:30 to 17:00, Friday 08:30 to 16:30. As an alternative, a flexible working system is in operation.
Location
This post is based at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, with travel to other Museum sites as required.
Duration of Appointment
This is a fixed term post for a period of 18 months. It is fixed term due to AHRC funding for the Tools of
Knowledge Research project.
Probation
New employees are on probation for a period of six months from date of appointment.
Pre-employment Checks/Eligibility to Work in the UK
Any offer of employment will be made subject to:
receipt of references which are satisfactory to National Museums Scotland and cover the full three-year
period prior to the date of appointment.
a Basic Disclosure Scotland check, the result of which must be satisfactory to National Museums
Scotland. The cost will be refunded.
completion of a health declaration form, which is satisfactory to National Museums Scotland.
Receipt of documentation confirming eligibility to work in the UK.
Please note that where more than one candidate is assessed as having met the criteria for the post, National
Museums is obliged to offer the post to an eligible candidate who already has the right to live and work in the UK
(a settled worker), before considering a candidate for whom a Certificate of Sponsorship application would be
required. This is because any such application would need to show that no suitably qualified settled worker is
available for the post.
Selection Process
We use competency based selection process. If you are invited to a selection event you will be asked to
participate in activities that will enable us to assess your performance against our Competency Framework.
Details of our competencies can be found in the Person Specification.You can also read
