Assistant Archivist

2 months ago


London, United Kingdom Paul Mellon Centre Full time

Are you interested in working in a small but busy specialist archive repository? Does acquiring new collections appeal to you? Do you relish the challenge of appraising and cataloguing discreet archive collections? Are you able to think creatively about the collections in your care and committed to audience reach and user satisfaction? Do you enjoy the day-to-day practicalities involved in managing in-person and remote readers? Are you interested in British art history and culture?

The Assistant Archivist will join the Paul Mellon Centre (PMC) at a time of consolidation: formally established just over ten years ago with much of the essential groundwork laid, the archive is now a thriving repository with offers, acquisitions and reader engagement growing at a rapid pace. This position is situated within a small team of five information professionals who work closely together to embed professional best practice and deliver a high standard of service to internal and external audiences.

**Who We Need**

We are looking for someone who will support the Archivist, Records and Data Protection Manager to successfully manage the demands of a busy and growing repository.

You will assist with the everyday work of a small specialist archive including, in particular, reducing the cataloguing backlog and helping ensure that all archive collections held at PMC have been appraised, catalogued and are accessible to interested audiences. You will help assess offers and liaise with donors regarding the acquisition of new material. You will assist with the promotion of the archive collections, supporting the Centre’s commitment to audience reach and fulfilment. You will have specific responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Public Study Room and copying service. You will work to embed best practice across all areas with a view to securing Archive Accreditation.

This role would suit an experienced professional who embraces all aspects of core archival work, thrives on juggling competing demands but also relishes seeing projects through to completion. It requires someone who enjoys thinking creatively about the collections in their care, gains satisfaction from embedding best practice and who possesses attention to detail, enthusiasm and excellent communication skills.

**Who We Are**

The PMC is an educational charity that champions new ways of understanding British art history and culture. We publish, teach and carry out research, both in London at the Centre and through our online platforms. Our archives, library and lively events programme are open to researchers, students and the public. The Centre’s grants and fellowships enable institutions and individuals to pursue exhibitions, publications, events and scholarly projects. Through all areas of our work, we promote activities that enhance and expand knowledge about British art. The Centre was founded in 1970 by art collector and philanthropist Paul Mellon, and is part of Yale University and partner to the Yale Center for British Art.

The PMC holds and provides access to over forty archive collections relating to the study of British art and architectural history. Alongside its own Institutional Archive, these collections include the research papers of art historians; museum directors and curators; dealers; art critics; collectors; and other individuals working in the field of art history. Further information about the archives at the Centre is available on our website paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/archives-and-library/archive-collections.

**About the Role**

Salary will be in the range of £35,000 to £40,000 per annum depending on experience.

This post is permanent and full time and the hours of work are 35 per week. Applicants will be expected to work on-site at the Paul Mellon Centre, Bedford Square, London WC1 (or remotely as circumstances demand). We are happy to talk about flexible working arrangements offered by the Centre.

**Person Specification**

Essential skills:

- a postgraduate diploma or MA in Archives and Records Management
- five years’ post-qualification professional experience working in archives
- experience of public service activities
- the ability to appraise, arrange and catalogue large complex archive collections in accordance with ISAD(G)
- working knowledge of the GDPR, with particular reference to archives and record keeping
- working knowledge of copyright law, within an archive and library environment
- a high level of motivation, excellent organisational skills and the ability to establish priorities
- engagement, enthusiasm and innovative thinking
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills - including with regard to in-person events such as talks and tours
- the ability to work flexibly and effectively as part of a team and independently
- an interest in, and engagement with, new developments and initiatives in the field, including digital preservation concerns

Desirable skills:

- experience of working


  • Microbial Archivist

    3 months ago


    London, United Kingdom UK Health Security Agency Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 337667**Salary**: - £42,716 - £48,068- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**: - Senior Executive Officer**Contract type**: - Permanent**Type of role**: - Science**Working pattern**: - Full-time**Number of jobs available**: - 1Contents Location About the...


  • London, Greater London, United Kingdom Southbank Centre Full time

    Position OverviewWe are seeking a Heritage Project Archivist to join our Archive and Heritage team within the Creative Engagement department on a part-time, fixed-term basis.The Southbank Centre Archive encompasses over 3000 boxes and 1.5 kilometers of diverse materials, including documents, photographs, artifacts, recordings, and digital content that...


  • London, United Kingdom The National Archives Full time

    Job summaryThe role is a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028The National Archives is looking for its first ever Level 7 Archivist and Records Manager apprentice. As an archivist apprentice, you�ll learn about and contribute to numerous areas of work across the organisation, from transferring government records to The National Archives and safely...

  • Archive Assistant

    2 months ago


    London, Greater London, United Kingdom THE NATIONAL GALLERY Full time

    The National Gallery is seeking to appoint an Archive Assistant to provide maternity cover for this role, for up to 12 months.The post-holder will assist the Archivist in invigilating external visitors and responding to enquiries. In addition the post-holder will be called upon to provide administrative support to the Archivist.Some of the key requirements...


  • London, United Kingdom Westminster School Full time

    Job Introduction The Archive cares for and promotes use of the school’s heritage collections, which include records, rare books, works of art and artefacts. It also works to improve records management throughout the organisation and advises on matters concerning the Data Protection Act (2018). The Archives and Records Management Assistant (Graduate...

  • Volunteer Archivist

    3 months ago


    East London, United Kingdom Headway - the brain injury association Full time

    **Title**: Volunteer Archivist - **Hours**: We ask for a minimum commitment of at least 3 months, 7-10 hours per week during our working hours (Monday-Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm). - **Salary**: Voluntary - **Location**: Headway East London, Timber Wharf, 238-240 Kingsland Road E2 8AX, with occasional travel to Bishopsgate Institute, EC2M 4QH **About the...

  • Librarian

    3 months ago


    London, United Kingdom iWork Recruitment Limited Full time

    Contract to start on 01-03-24 until 30-06-24 with a possible extension. **Main Purpose of the job**: To provide a high quality customer focused Library and Information Service in accordance with the Council’s vision, key priorities and service core principles: To deliver excellent customer care and engage with communities to promote a love of reading and...

  • Microbial Archivist

    3 months ago


    London, United Kingdom UK Health Security Agency Full time

    **Responsibilities section**: The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties: Responsible for day to day people management in NCTC and Biobanking Teams. Develop professional/Management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required. Actively involved in Team Building activities to...


  • LONDON, United Kingdom UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS Full time

    We are looking for a motivated individual with excellent cataloguing skills to work with the London College of Fashion (LCF) Archives. You will contribute to the development and delivery of high quality and student-focused archives and museum services which support the academic activities of the University and its constituent Colleges. Specifically, you...


  • London, Greater London, United Kingdom UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS Full time

    We are looking for a motivated individual with excellent cataloguing skills to work with the London College of Fashion (LCF) Archives.You will contribute to the development and delivery of high quality and student-focused archives and museum services which support the academic activities of the University and its constituent Colleges. Specifically, you will...


  • London, Greater London, United Kingdom The National Archives Full time

    Position OverviewThis is a fixed-term opportunity designed for aspiring archivists and records managers.The National Archives is seeking its inaugural Level 7 apprentice in Archivist and Records Management. As an apprentice, you will engage in various facets of our operations, including the transfer and preservation of governmental records, ensuring they are...


  • London, Greater London, United Kingdom The National Archives Full time

    Position OverviewThis is a fixed-term opportunity aimed at developing skills in archival science and records management.The National Archives seeks its inaugural Level 7 Apprentice in Archivist and Records Management. As an apprentice, you will engage in various organizational functions, including the transfer and preservation of governmental records for...

  • Team Support Volunteer

    3 months ago


    London, United Kingdom British Red Cross Volunteer Full time

    If you are looking for a way to volunteer with one of our teams without being on the front line, then the Team Support Volunteer role is the one for you. The Heritage team is a small team of one Curator and one Archivist who manage our museum and archives and work on and off site. After training with them on-site, you will be required to work quite...


  • London, United Kingdom Elliott Wood Full time €32,000

    Fixed Term Contract 6 - 9 months (Flexible) London office / Hybrid Elliott Wood is an award-winning engineering company focused on the built environment, including structural engineering, civil engineering, transport planning and sustainability. We deliver challenging, high-profile, environmentally responsible projects. Providing an exemplary service in...


  • London, United Kingdom Elliott Wood Full time €32,000

    Fixed Term Contract 6 - 9 months (Flexible) London office / Hybrid Elliott Wood is an award-winning engineering company focused on the built environment, including structural engineering, civil engineering, transport planning and sustainability. We deliver challenging, high-profile, environmentally responsible projects. Providing an exemplary service in...


  • London, United Kingdom Paul Mellon Centre Full time

    **Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee)** Following the success of our Archives & Library Graduate Trainee programme, the Paul Mellon Centre (PMC) is pleased to announce a second opportunity in this role. The existing and new postholders will work alongside each other to support work across our increasingly busy Archives & Library activities. If...

  • Project Cataloguer

    3 months ago


    London, United Kingdom St John Ambulance Full time

    **What's involved**: **Department**: Priory & CPG Affairs **Salary**: £26,826 (£33,533 FTE) Do you want to make a difference and be part of a vibrant and inclusive organisation that has been helping save lives for more than a century? As one of the country’s best-loved charities, St John Ambulance played a pivotal role in responding to the pandemic as...


  • London, Greater London, United Kingdom Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking an exceptional individual to join our Research and Development Office at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust as a Research Compliance Manager.Key ResponsibilitiesCoordinate working practices and policy implementation to ensure compliance with internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and external regulatory...


  • London, Greater London, United Kingdom The National Archives Full time

    Position OverviewThis is a fixed-term apprenticeship opportunity designed to cultivate future professionals in the field of archival science and records management.The National Archives seeks to onboard its inaugural Level 7 apprentice in Archivist and Records Management. As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience and contribute to various...

  • Band 8A

    4 days ago


    London, United Kingdom Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Full time

    Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional individual to be appointed as the Research Compliance Manager within the growing R&D Office at the Royal Free Hospital. The successful applicant will have excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, be practical, methodical and organised. Previous applicants need not...