About the internship
This 12-month internship is part of the Collaborative Conservation Skills Internship Programme, funded by the Anna Plowden Trust, Idlewild Trust, Julia Rausing Trust, Pilgrim Trust, Radcliffe Trust, and National Manuscripts Conservation Trust, in partnership with the Institute of Conservation (Icon).
The programme provides early-career conservators with structured hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and access to training and enrichment opportunities in the specialist field of horological and scientific instrument conservation.
The internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation of historically significant horological and scientific instruments selected for display as part of the First Light project. Royal Museums Greenwich’s world-class collections include over 2,500 instruments, encompassing a wide range of timepieces, astronomical, and navigational objects.
Working with complex composite objects made of metal, wood, glass, and ivory, the intern will gain hands-on experience in conserving material and technological heritage that shaped the development of timekeeping, navigation, and astronomy.
Administrative details
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: Tax-free £20,000, paid directly to the intern. The intern is responsible for any personal tax liability, visa or travel costs, and health or travel insurance.
- Supervision: Karen Jensen, Object Conservation Manager (primary supervisor), supported by Francis Brodie, Horology Conservator (specialist supervisor).
- Professional mentorship: Francesca Whymark ACR FIIC, Senior Manager, 2D Conservation, will provide structured mentorship, including reflective practice and career guidance, to support the intern’s understanding and practical application of Icon’s Professional Standards in conservation.
Training and professional development
- Hands-on experience: Conservation treatment, condition assessment, documentation, preventive care, and contribution to ongoing projects, including preparation of objects selected for display in the First Light project. Work will be in line with professional conservation standards and ethical guidelines.
- Professional development and enrichment: Funding is available to attend workshops, training, and networking activities, which will be facilitated directly by Royal Museums Greenwich.
- Specialist skills: Development of expertise in the conservation of horological and scientific instruments, working with complex composite objects (metal, wood, glass, ivory).
- Collaborative learning: Opportunities to work with curatorial and project teams, gaining insight into collection care, display planning, and the practical application of conservation standards.
Who should apply
We welcome applications from candidates who:
- Hold a recognised professional qualification or equivalent experience in object conservation
- Have practical experience with composite three-dimensional objects (metal, wood, glass, organics)
- Have a keen interest and commitment to developing professional skills and to building expertise in the specialist field of horology and scientific instrument conservation.
- Are enthusiastic, flexible, and able to work independently and collaboratively
Application process
- The deadline for applications is 3 December 2025 at 23:59 GMT.
- To apply please complete the Internship application form: https://forms.office.com/e/bGsCGDgTAj
- Applicants will be asked to provide details of their education and qualifications, relevant experience, a personal statement, and two referees.
- It is recommended that you draft your answers in a separate document to avoid losing your progress in the online form. You can see the fields you will need to fill out by downloading the example application form below.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview either in person or online.
- Selection will be made by Royal Museums Greenwich.
Eligibility to participate
Applicants must have the legal right to undertake a paid internship in the UK for the full 12-month period. Royal Museums Greenwich is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this placement. By applying, you confirm that you meet this requirement.
Diversity and inclusion are integral to our work at Royal Museums Greenwich, and we want to foster a spirit of inclusion, collaborative working, innovation, and valuing people as individuals whose lives have been shaped by different experiences. Therefore, we welcome applications from everyone. We ask that you let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments you need.
Funder reporting
Royal Museums Greenwich will provide progress updates and reports to the programme funders, including a mid-year and final report. The intern may be asked to contribute information about their placement to support these reports, but Royal Museums Greenwich retains responsibility for all communications with the funders.
Funders
