Digitisation Project Conservation Manager

SOAS University of London; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

SOAS University of London is seeking a Digitisation Project Conservation Manager to manage conservation treatments for digitisation projects. This role involves assessing item conditions and training project conservators, ensuring effective project delivery at one of the leading institutions for higher education specializing in Asian and African studies.

Benefits

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Flexible Working Arrangements

Generous occupational pension scheme

Learning and Development opportunities

Health and well-being initiatives

Enhanced Family Leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Gym Membership

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of practical book and paper conservation treatment approaches.
• Experience supporting digitisation projects and conservation assessments.
• Ability to effectively manage time and project schedules.

Responsibilities

• Support and manage digitisation projects by assessing condition and undertaking conservation treatments.
• Communicating technical information regarding document conditions and handling.
• Train and support project conservators.

Skills

Book Conservation

Paper Conservation

Project Management

Education

Qualification in Conservation

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Digitisation Project Conservation Manager, London

col-narrow-left

Client:

SOAS University of London

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Reference:

96a27d85237c

Job Views:

3

Posted:

29.06.2025

Expiry Date:

13.08.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Job title: Digitisation Project Conservation Manager
Department: Library Services
Contract Type: Fixed term (to June 2026, with the possibility to extend)
Grade: 6
Salary: £35,318.57-£41,687.57 per annum including London Allowance
Location: SOAS Library
Hours: 35 hours per week

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leadingrole in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

Reporting to the Digitisation Lead Conservator, this post will support and manage a digitisation project by assessing the condition of items scheduled for digitisation and undertaking conservation treatments to prepare items for digitisation, using skills and knowledge acquired through qualification and practical experience. The Project Conservation Manager will support the Digitisation Lead Conservator in managing, supporting and training the project conservators. They will work closely with the members of the Digitisation team and Special Collections to communicate technical information regarding document condition, document handling, plans of work, and workflow.

About the Department

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The Library attracts scholars from all over the world to consult its holdings and further their research. The Library houses over 1.3 million volumes at the SOAS campus at Russell Square in central London, together with a major collection of archives, manuscripts, rare books, an expanding Digital Library, and 500 art objects.

The Conservation department at SOAS was newly established in 2023. This role will work across different Library teams, including Special Collections, Collections Care and the Digitisation Centre to deliver a large-scale digitisation project drawing on material from SOAS Library’s archives and special collections.

About you

An experienced conservator, you will have in-depth knowledge of practical book and paper conservation treatment approaches. You will have experience of supporting digitisation projects, including through undertaking conservation assessments and treating items. You will be effective in managing your own time and experienced in supporting a project, ensuring it is delivered to schedule. You will have experience of supporting colleagues, providing training and guidance as needed.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement:Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements:We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme:To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives:Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave:We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme:Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership:Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.