The Otago Museum announced its new director this afternoon.

Dr Ian Griffin will take the role at the end of May, taking over from former chief executive Shimrath Paul.

Dr Griffin will be moving from his position as chief executive of charitable science foundation the Oxford Trust, in Oxford, England.

His other former jobs include director of the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, a role with NASA in the United States, and chief executive of the Auckland Observatory.

Dr Griffin's total annual pay will be $250,000.