Digital Archivist

Fixed term appointment for 6 months with the possibility of extension/permanency.

Job summary

Archives matter. Without records, we could not hold government to account, carry out pioneering research or learn from the past. Whether they are websites, the evidence heard by inquiries or the algorithms which support official decision-making, the survival of our digital public records is vital.

The National Archives (TNA) is the archive of UK Government and the courts. We are one of the world’s leading digital archives. Our business strategy, Archives for Everyone, describes our vision to become an inclusive, entrepreneurial, and disruptive archive that harnesses emerging technology to reaffirm and transform our historic mission for the digital age.

The Digital Archiving department’s role is to bring digital records into the archive, preserve them for the future and open up access for diverse audiences. We build and operate a suite of digital products and services to enable this, some of which are used by other archives and heritage organisations internationally.

The department offers a supportive, welcoming, and collegiate working environment. We work in multidisciplinary agile teams, focused on delivering innovative services that ensure the digital Public Record survives, thrives and is useful.

We are based in the beautiful surroundings of Kew, easily accessible by public transport, car and bike. Staff benefits include admission to a range of exhibitions at national museums and galleries; access to nearby Kew Gardens; on-site gym, therapists and wellbeing resources; restaurant, shop and staff bar; discounts with local businesses.

Job description

About the role:
In this role you will contribute to archiving digital Public Records. Your work will help us bring records into the archive at scale; provide access to the public; and understand and structure our digital records and metadata for their long-term preservation and use at TNA.

You will share knowledge and develop your own skills to help us develop archival practice in key areas, such as transfer, presentation, contextualisation and preservation of increasingly complex digital records. 

The role will work closely with our in-house product management and software development teams to build and improve our innovative digital preservation tools, including DROID and PRONOM. The Digital Archivist will also undertake file-format research to grow the capabilities of these products.

Person specification

You are seeking to develop a career in a world leading institution using your digital archiving skills, experience, and knowledge to meet the challenges presented by digital records. You have an eye for detail, are process orientated and have an interest in finding solutions for managing complex problems.

You are an excellent communicator who is keen to join the Digital Archiving team and contribute to TNA’s developing practices in digital archiving. You will enjoy conducting research activities and love to learn and share knowledge with others.

A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.

SC-level Security Clearance or willingness to obtain SC clearance is mandatory for this role and requires that you have lived in the UK for the last 3 years. The length of required residency may depend on individual circumstances.