Overall Purpose of the Job:
The Whitworth is one of the UK’s leading university art galleries. It holds pre-eminent collections of historic, modern, and contemporary art, textiles and wallpapers. These collections are internationally renowned and designated as being of national importance. The role of Conservator (Textiles) is responsible for the physical well-being of all textile-based material across all these collections, encompassing post-Pharaonic textiles from Egypt, European textiles and vestments from 15th to 18th centuries, Mediterranean and Islamic embroideries from 17th to 19th centuries, work of William Morris and other Arts & Crafts designers, 20th century British furnishing textiles and contemporary art textiles.
The role works collaboratively with conservation, collection care, and curatorial colleagues, as well as freelance conservators and technicians, with the long-term aim to preserve and increase public access to our collections, delivered through exhibitions, handling and public engagement activities, research and study visits, loans programmes, and through national and international touring projects.
What you will get in return:
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Sarah Potter
Email: sarah.potter@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
Please note that we will not be able to respond to questions about the role over the festive break, from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026.
