Sillitoe Research Leader, Economic Geology
Natural History Museum
Contract type Full-time/Permanent Location London, South Kensington
Closing date 29 May 2026 Salary £85,000 per annum (The Museum at its absolute discretion may consider an enhanced offer of up to £90,000 for an outstanding candidate)
Job Description
Salary: £85,000 per annum (The Museum at its absolute discretion may consider an enhanced offer of up to £90,000 for an outstanding candidate)
Department: Research
Location: South Kensington
Employment type: Permanent
About the role
The Natural History Museum is seeking a world‑leading scientist to join us as a Research Leader in Economic Geology, shaping research that will help secure the mineral resources required for the transition to a net‑zero economy.
This is an opportunity to lead internationally significant research at the intersection of geoscience, resource discovery and sustainability. We are looking for a visionary geologist who can challenge established paradigms, develop new approaches to mineral discovery, and build a globally recognised research programme aligned with the Museum’s Resourcing the Green Economy theme.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for economic geology across the Museum, developing ambitious projects that combine field research, advanced analytical methods and the Museum’s globally significant mineral collections. You will lead high‑impact collaborations with academic and industry partners, secure major external funding and mentor the next generation of geoscientists.
The role also offers the opportunity to strengthen collaboration with the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, with a visiting professorship envisaged to support joint research and training.
Working across the Museum’s laboratories, collections and international networks, you will help position the Natural History Museum as a global hub for research into the mineral resources needed for a sustainable future.
About you
Are you an internationally recognised economic geologist ready to shape the future of mineral resource research?
You hold a doctorate in geology or a related discipline and bring a strong track record in economic geology, including field‑based research and engagement with the mining sector. Your work demonstrates scientific leadership through influential publications, successful research programmes and the ability to secure significant external funding.
You are an experienced research leader who enjoys building ambitious collaborations and mentoring early‑career scientists. You combine strategic vision with the ability to deliver impactful research programmes that address major global challenges.
If you are motivated by the opportunity to advance mineral deposit science and help secure the resources needed for the green economy, this role offers a unique platform to do so.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
* Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
* Life insurance
* Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
* Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
* We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
* Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures. 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
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first‑hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
Closing date: 23:59 on 29th May
This role qualifies for Museum sponsorship. Whilst we would still expect the successful postholder to have valid right to work in the UK at the point of starting the role, the Museum can support in obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role to apply for future or continued right to work in the UK. Please contact our Recruitment Team athrteam@nhm.ac.uk if you have any further queries regarding this.
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