The Barber Institute at the University of Birmingham is home to one of the finest collections in the world of Roman, Byzantine, medieval Islamic and medieval and modern Hungarian coins. The Byzantine section is arguably second only to that at Dumbarton Oaks. The whole collection consists of nearly 16,000 pieces, housed in modern storage facilities in a Coin Study Room at the Barber Institute. This room, which is open to students, specialist scholars and the general public by appointment, also provides access to the collection database (currently partially available on-line) and a specialist library of over 2,000 volumes. Selections from the collections are regularly used in themed exhibitions, in the adjacent purpose-built Coin Gallery; these displays are generally curated in-house and accompanied by public programming to which the post-holder will contribute.

The Barber coin collection is supported by a close working relationship with the Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies at the University of Birmingham which is recognised internationally for its research and teaching, particularly in Byzantine History. Depending on the interests and experience of the appointed curator, there may be opportunities for contributing to the Centre’s teaching.

The Barber is now seeking a committed, knowledgeable and enthusiastic curator to be a vital part of the Barber team. The post-holder will be the collection specialist and advocate for the Barber’s numismatic holdings, and lead on their management, research, development (including acquisitions), accessibility and promotion.

A priority for the future will be the completion of the online catalogue.