Senior Researcher, Science

• Research and write scholarly and commercial catalogue entries for various Science & Natural History property and Private Sale works
• Assist in preparing materials for selling works, for example condition reports, selling points, enhanced lot pages etc
• Assist other members of the Department in writing and preparing proposals for sale
• Research and source comparable images and assist copyright permission
• Conduct extensive research for works consigned to sale, using Sotheby’s library and external resources
• Conduct detailed provenance research and due diligence on items being considered for sale
• Other tasks as assigned by the Vice Chairman, Global Head
• Provide expertise, research and catalogue objects to the highest standard and according to scheduled deadlines
• Provide guidance and mentorship to the department cataloguer
• Assist with and co-ordinate research, both internally, and with external experts
• Assisting the cataloguer in managing the property in the department
• Involvement in all aspects of catalogue production
• Ensuring, along with cataloguer that all photography for catalogues is completed in a timely manner, and that the correct images are taken according to department standards
• Writing condition reports and responding to estimate enquiries and general correspondence
• Working alongside senior colleagues in the promotion and selling of sales
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance
• Assisting the department with exhibition set-up and design
• Assisting department and marketing team with preparation of marketing and promotional materials for auctions, private sales, and other sales outlets

• BA in History, History of Science, Biology, or related field in the sciences, with MA or beyond preferred
• Knowledge of and experience in handling objects such as archives, manuscripts, scientific & technological instrument, rare books, fossils, or other physical artifacts
• Exceptional attention to detail
• The ability to understand complex materials, and explain them in a way that is palatable to both expert and non-expert audiences
• Excellent writing skills, both in terms of style and mechanics
• The ability to work effectively within a team of specialists and individually
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service
• Self-motivated with enthusiasm to learn
• Have a flexible approach and the ability to work well under pressure
• Good organisational skills with proven ability of meeting deadlines
• A keen interest in how the commercial art world functions
• High level of computer literacy required

Familiarity/comfort with programs such as InDesign a bonus

• Discretionary bonus
• Competitive benefits package