Photographer

Are you a talented photographer ready to capture objects that tell the story of Manchester's industrial past and the innovations that shaped the modern world?, Based at the Science & Industry Museum, this 16-month role encompasses the full gamut of museum photography; a mass digitisation project, contributing to project deliverables for three new temporary exhibitions, and ongoing core work. Photo Studio provides a range of professional, technical and creative services for clients and stakeholders within SMG. This role is based in Manchester but will also require the post holder to work in Bradford and York covering all SMG's northern sites. The Science & Industry Museum is embarking on the decant of several collection stores in preparation for the continued development of our visitor offer. The decant workflow will require the post holder to work quickly and confidently in the collections store to ensure each object has a clear and consistent image prior to them moving to the Science and Innovation Park for deep storage. These images will be published to SMG's Collections Online website, enhancing digital access to the UK's flagship collection of technology and engineering objects. You will carry out post-production and apply metadata making images accessible through our Digital Assessment Management System (DAMS) for clients to download and use in a range of contexts., 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.

If you are a problem solver, with a keen sense of ethical judgement and the desire to utilise your photography skills in a specialist environment, we would like to hear from you. You will be self-motivated to optimise your time, be able to work effectively in a team, and you will be comfortable communicating with a range of people. You will be willing and able to take on a wide variety of tasks to support a busy studio servicing a multitude of functions throughout the museum., We're keen to see applications from candidates who are experienced photographers with a solid portfolio of work, ideally including 2D and 3D object photography, and who are skilled in using Capture One, Photoshop, Lightroom and Bridge, with a good understanding of colour management from capture to output. With the Lead Photographer's time split between our sites in Manchester, Bradford and York, you'll need to be self-motivated and comfortable using your own initiative. You'll plan and manage your own workload, work effectively on your own, and know when a technical issue needs escalating. This role covers everything from a fast-paced digitisation project in our collections stores to exhibition, communications and events photography, so good organisation and a practical, problem-solving approach will help you keep things on track and deliver on time. We're a small team, so working well together really matters to us. We'd love to hear from people who enjoy collaborating, both within the studio and with wider teams such as conservation, curatorial and exhibitions colleagues, and who help build that open, collaborative way of working across the museum. You'll be comfortable talking to a range of stakeholders and explaining technical challenges clearly. We're also looking for someone resilient who can adapt when priorities shift, handle a busy and varied workload, and stay positive when a shoot doesn't go to plan. Experience in a museum, heritage or fine art setting, with Digital Asset Management systems, or with object handling would be a bonus, but it isn't essential.

The Science and Industry Museum is part of the Science Museum Group, along with the Science Museum in London, National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, the National Railway Museum in York and Locomotion in Shildon, Co Durham. As the world's leading group of science museums, we share our unparalleled collection-spanning science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine-with over five million visitors each year.

This is a fixed-term contract for 16 months, running from 4th January 2027 to 1st May 2028. It's 35 hours per week and the salary is £36,358 per annum. The role is based at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and hybrid working is available. Shoots often have to fit around museum opening hours, so you'll work flexibly between 7:00 and 18:00. Occasionally you may be asked to work outside these hours to photograph collections or events, and this is paid at an overtime rate. You'll also need to travel to the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford from time to time, so we're looking for a bit of flexibility. It won't be frequent, and we'll cover your travel costs.,

• 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.
• Healthcare cash plan. Digital health tools, gym discounts and cashback towards your everyday healthcare costs.
• All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme 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 and 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