Archivist

About the role

In this post, your work will be focused on the day-to-day administration of a 20th-century literary archive, with a particular focus on handling everyday enquiries, and outreach work, along with other projects connected to the archive which may arise. 

This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 10 years. Hours can be worked flexibly, with core hours between 10am to 4pm. The working pattern includes participation in rotas for evening and weekend duties. This is currently envisaged as being one evening from 5pm to 7pm every three weeks and two Saturdays 

This role requires lifting, carrying and moving collection material and library records using trolleys, kick stools and lifts on a regular basis. 

Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This is due to lone working with the collection. 

About You

You will have a relevant first degree, preferably in literature or the humanities, with a focus on the 20th century. You will also hold a postgraduate qualification in archives management, digital curation, or equivalent experience. You will possess strong organisational, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to meet agreed deadlines. You will be an excellent communicator, in writing and orally, able to convey the archives to a wide range of audiences. You will be knowledgeable about archival standards and have demonstrable cataloguing skills. You will have a solid understanding of the ethical and legal context to working with modern archives, especially concerning copyright and data protection. You will work effectively independently, or in a team, and hold the skills necessary to supervise the work of any colleagues, volunteers, or interns who may be working under your direction. 

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans 

More information is available at  https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits 

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave. 

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered. 

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Susan Thomas, Head of Archives & Modern Manuscripts, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (susan.thomas@bodleian.ox.ac.uk).  General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Friday 28 March can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on 23 & 24 April 2025.

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