Curator, Rare Books

The University of Melbourne; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 111,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging and benefits

Health and wellbeing programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Melbourne is seeking a Curator for the Rare Books Collection in Parkville. You will curate, interpret and enable access to one of the university’s most significant holdings, driving object-based learning, research and exhibitions across disciplines.

You will contribute to cataloguing, digitisation and outreach while collaborating with academics, donors and professional staff to advance teaching and public engagement.

Qualifications

• Hold postgraduate qualifications in Museum or Curatorial Studies, or equivalent experience with historical or cultural collections.
• Possess tertiary qualifications in humanities or Library Science, or an equivalent blend of education and experience.
• Bring deep knowledge of rare and antiquarian books, manuscripts and print history, including collecting and publishing contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight for physical access, storage, handling, movement and loans, ensuring best practice care of rare materials.
• Develop exhibitions and interpretive programs, underpinned by collection-based research, to broaden discovery and engagement.
• Design and deliver object-based learning and collection literacy programs embedded within curriculum and e-learning environments.
• Contribute to digitisation, catalogue enrichment and rights management to improve discovery and responsible access to materials.

Skills

Exhibitions curation

Access program development

Cataloguing

Collection management systems

Safe handling of cultural heritage

Research interpretation

Education

Postgraduate qualifications in Museum/Curatorial Studies

Tertiary qualifications in humanities or Library Science

Tools

None

Job description

## Curator, Rare BooksApply: Parkville, Victoria: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 27, 2026 (14 days left to apply): JR-018643**Position Number:** JR-018643**Role type:** Full-time; Continuing**Location:** Parkville **Department:** Archives and Special Collections (Student and Scholarly Services) **Salary:** UOM 7: AUD $111,275 - $120,453 p.a. plus 17% super* Steward an internationally significant rare books collection and join the team leading creative public engagement initiatives* Apply now to curate a collection that powers research, teaching innovation and inspires public engagement at Melbourne.* Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.**The University of Melbourne** We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.**Your next career opportunity** In this role, you will curate and interpret the University’s Rare Books Collection for diverse audiences. You will help drive object-based learning, research and exhibitions, while enhancing access through contributing to cataloguing, digitisation and outreach. You will shape how this extraordinary collection supports innovative scholarship across disciplines.**What you will deliver:*** Provide oversight for physical access, storage, handling, movement and loans, ensuring best practice care of rare materials.* Develop exhibitions and interpretive programs, underpinned by collection-based research, to broaden discovery and engagement.* Design and deliver object-based learning and collection literacy programs embedded within curriculum and e-learning environments.* Contribute to digitisation, catalogue enrichment and rights management to improve discovery and responsible access to materials.* Advise on acquisitions, donations and deaccessions, ensuring compliant trust fund use and robust collection documentation.**You may be a great fit if you:*** Hold postgraduate qualifications in Museum or Curatorial Studies, or equivalent experience with historical or cultural collections.* Possess tertiary qualifications in humanities or Library Science, or an equivalent blend of education and experience.* Bring deep knowledge of rare and antiquarian books, manuscripts and print history, including collecting and publishing contexts.* Demonstrate experience curating exhibitions and access programs, and interpreting complex material for diverse and non-specialist audiences.* Apply advanced skills in cataloguing, condition reporting, collection management systems and safe handling of cultural heritage materials.* Collaborate confidently with academics, donors, booksellers and professional staff within large, multifaceted institutions or libraries.* Embrace emerging digital, metadata and learning technologies to enhance collection discovery, teaching integration and online engagement.For further information please refer to the attached PD.**What we offer you!** We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:* Build future financial security with 17% superannuation* Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being* Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning* Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave.* Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company* Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance ProgramFor more information check out our benefits page!**Your new team** You will join Archives and Special Collections, a specialist department within Student and Scholarly Services. The team develops, cares for and shares outstanding archives and special collections for teaching, learning and research. You will work with collegial experts who value collaboration, innovation, service excellence and inclusive, community-focused engagement.**Be Yourself** The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.**Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants** We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].**Application essentials:*** Visit \"apply with us\" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.* You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.* A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.* Please upload your **resume and a cover letter** outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.**Want to know more?*** For queries related to this specific position, contact **Jon Buckingham** via [e-mail]* For questions related to our recruitment process email **Tien Nguyen** at [e-mail]* For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on [phone] or at [e-mail] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.**Applications close:** Monday 26th October at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.