Vacancy for Scientific Partnerships Manager: Natural History Museum (NHM)

The Natural History Museum (NHM) is a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre and commercial event space.  We use our unique collections and unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today.  We care for more than 80 million specimens, both in our London and Tring museums, spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually. 

The Museum has been awarded a substantial government investment of £182m, over 6 years, to create a new science and digitisation centre at the Harwell Science and Innovation Centre in south Oxfordshire. This is a once in a century opportunity to shape the future of the Museum, protect and share our unique collection and further our science.

We are at a pivotal moment in our history, and recently launched a new strategy setting out our role as the natural world faces increasing threats.  Building on our world-leading collection, global reputation for science and as one of the world’s leading visitor attractions, the NHM has ambitious plans leading up to its 150th anniversary in 2031 making this a truly exciting time to be part of the NHM team.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, proactive Partnerships Manager who will be responsible for identifying, developing and nurturing a variety of scientific partnerships to support the delivery of the NHM’s vision and mission and maximise benefits from our new science and digitisation centre at Harwell.

About you

You will have a proven track record of managing scientific relationships and partnerships, for example in a large research institution or university.



You will have a good knowledge of the UK scientific research funding landscape and combine this with strong commercial judgement and understanding of different business and legal models for partnerships. Along with this, you will be creative, entrepreneurial and innovative, with excellent people leadership and communication skills.

7 year Fixed Term Contract

Closing date: 9am on Monday 17 August 2020

Interviews expected to be 27 & 28 August 2020              

What we offer

• 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays
• Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across the country, such as the British Museum, V&A, National Gallery, Royal Academy and Tate
• Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including a free digital Tastecard, discounted cinema tickets and corporate membership of English Heritage sites (including Dover Castle and Stonehenge). For more details, visit https://www.cssc.co.uk
• Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
• Staff discounts at a range of local businesses and services
• Up to 50% staff discount at our shops and cafes
• Season ticket, bicycle and rental loans
• Eye care vouchers
• Professional development opportunities – We are committed to the professional development of our staff and offer a range of courses to ensure they reach their potential.  We also sponsor professional qualifications and job-related professional membership fees.

How to apply

If that sounds like you please apply online on the Natural History Museum’s careers portal, and provide:

•       A comprehensive curriculum vitae giving details of relevant achievements in recent posts as well as your education and professional qualifications.

•       A covering letter that summarises your interest in this post, providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in the person specification 

•       Please ensure your letter includes details of your latest salary and notice period.

Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from everyone – diversity, inclusion and the feeling of belonging matters to us.  By attracting people to work for us from a broad range of diverse backgrounds we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things.  We offer a stimulating and professional environment in which to work. This is a remarkable place we look for staff who can work according to our values – we champion diversity, encourage creativity, we are connected, and we value evidence.