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MOWAA are seeking a Lab Assistant to support the daily operations of MOWAA’s conservation and materials science laboratories. This role will provide hands-on technical support to ongoing research, documentation, and conservation activities, working closely with scientists and researchers.

The ideal candidate will be practically skilled, methodical, and motivated to build a long-term career within a museum, research, or heritage science environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day operations of MOWAA’s materials science laboratories.
• Assist with sample preparation, basic laboratory procedures, and routine testing under supervision.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, tools, and workspaces in line with health and safety standards.
• Support documentation and record-keeping of laboratory activities and research outputs.
• Assist with cataloguing, labeling, and storage of samples and materials.
• Contribute to data entry and basic analysis using digital tools and databases.
• Support visiting researchers, fellows, and interns with practical laboratory needs.
• Assist in the preparation of materials for exhibitions, research projects, and publications.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and contribute to their continuous improvement.
• Flag technical issues, risks, or equipment needs to senior staff in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying process improvements and supporting efficient laboratory workflows.
• Take ownership of assigned workstreams and follow through on tasks with minimal supervision.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Chemistry, Geology, Archaeology, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Physics, or related disciplines; a Master’s degree or demonstrated research training is an advantage.
• 1–3 years’ experience working in a laboratory, research, conservation, or technical environment.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Experience with data recording, digital tools, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical procedures accurately.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills over time.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Demonstrated interest in long-term professional development within research or heritage science.
• Open to candidates from Nigeria, West Africa, and other nationalities with valid ECOWAS or Nigerian work permits.

Career Growth, Training & Development: 

MOWAA has a strong culture of learning and invests in developing early and mid-career professionals.

This role offers exposure to international conservation practice, collaboration with global research partners, and the opportunity to build a career pathway within museum science, conservation, or heritage research.

The Lab Assistant role is designed as a talent pipeline position, with potential progression into technical specialist, research assistant, or postgraduate study routes.

Terms and Conditions

• Reporting Line: Head of Materials Science
• Duty Station: Benin City, Nigeria
• Contract Duration: 18 months renewable, subject to performance
• Compensation & Benefits: Highly competitive, subject to credentials

How to Apply: 

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter to careers@wearemowaa.org. Kindly include “Material Science Lab Assistant” in the subject line. Enquires should also be sent to the same address.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.

MOWAA is seeking an experienced conservator to join our Collections department. Reporting to the Head of Collections, the Senior Conservator will be responsible for the preventive care of art and artefacts in MOWAA’s collection, as well as providing support for supervised restoration work.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out research and apply standard conservation techniques to treat objects in MOWAA’s collections.
• Conduct thorough assessments and documentation of objects to monitor their condition and identify signs of deterioration.
• Prepare detailed written treatment proposals, condition reports, and treatment reports, including comprehensive photographic documentation.
• Work closely with colleagues to plan and execute complex conservation treatments.

Essential Skills

• A bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Conservation or a related field, with a specialization in object conservation, from a recognized training institution..
• A minimum of 6–8 years of relevant experience in a recognized heritage institution or equivalent technical expertise and education, with a preference for candidates with experience working with historic collections.
• Proven track record of planned and successfully completed conservation treatments.
• Active membership in a professional conservation organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with a diverse range of West African objects, including ethnographic, historical, archaeological, and contemporary art.

How to Apply:  To apply, submit your CV, cover letter to careers@wearemowaa.org. Kindly include “Senior Conservator” in the subject line. Enquires should also be sent to the same address.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.

Reporting Line: Director, MOWAA Institute
Duty Station: While the role is based in Benin City, we’re open to flexible arrangements. The ideal candidate will be willing to spend significant time in Nigeria and across the West African region, depending on project needs.
Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term (with potential renewal)

Overview

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is seeking a thoughtful and experienced Curator, Historical & Antiquities to shape MOWAA’s curatorial direction, lead exhibitions and acquisitions, and drive research initiatives. The successful candidate will focus on historical and antiquities collections, working alongside curatorial colleagues leading modern and contemporary work, rather than in a supervisory capacity. This distinction ensures alignment with our dual curatorial focus and collaborative team structure.

The ideal profile combines deep expertise in African antiquities and a strong track record in exhibition-making, with the ability to operate within institutional settings, manage acquisitions, and foster operational best practices. We are particularly interested in professionals with museum-based experience who can also mentor early-career colleagues and build sustainable curatorial practices tailored to West African contexts.

This role may suit a mid-career curator looking to take on new leadership responsibilities or a senior professional seeking to make a lasting impact at an exciting stage of institutional growth.

Key Responsibilities 

Curatorial Strategy and Leadership

• Lead the conceptualisation and delivery of exhibitions and gallery displays.
• Develop and implement a long-term acquisitions and collections strategy aligned with MOWAA’s mission.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of the MOWAA Institute, senior advisors, and curators to shape a responsive and high-performing curatorial programme.
• Partner with research and conservation colleagues to support publications, interpretation, and scholarly output.
• Spearhead exhibition and research proposals in collaboration with potential partners, funders, and institutions.
• Support internal exhibition budgeting, scheduling, and workflow coordination, in partnership with administrative staff.
• Contribute to strengthening MOWAA’s curatorial processes and institutional standards with a focus on contextual relevance and regional best practice.

Research and Scholarship

• Advance the study and interpretation of MOWAA’s historical and antiquities collections.
• Oversee the development of scholarly content, exhibition catalogues, and research publications.
• Represent MOWAA at conferences, symposia, and professional forums, enhancing institutional visibility and networks.

Collections Stewardship

• Collaborate on the development of policies for collections growth, storage, care, and display.
• Lead provenance research and contribute to ethical frameworks for collection development.
• Advise on ways to integrate local perspectives and engage collectors, audiences, and knowledge holders in exhibitions and programming.

Required Experience & Skills

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred) in Art History, African Studies, Archaeology, or related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of curatorial experience with a strong focus on African historical arts and antiquities.
• Proven record of delivering high-quality exhibitions and curatorial outputs.
• Experience working within a museum or cultural institution, with knowledge of institutional systems, acquisitions, and policy development.
• Demonstrated leadership in team development, mentorship, or training programmes.
• Excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Flexible, collaborative, and responsive to evolving project contexts.
• Willingness to spend significant time in Nigeria and/or the region, though flexibility will be considered depending on candidate profile.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within a museum or research institution undergoing development or expansion
• Familiarity with West African cultural contexts and heritage landscapes

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to careers@wearemowaa.org by, using “Curator, Historical & Antiquities” as the subject line.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.