Senior Archivist (STEM Subjects)

National Museums; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Bodleian Libraries in Oxford is seeking a Senior Archivist with a strong STEM focus to join the Archives & Modern Manuscripts team. You will develop specialist knowledge, support researchers, and maintain high standards of access and collections management.

The role involves planning archival projects, leading staff, and contributing to senior management. It is full-time and primarily on site, with scope to work from home one day per week.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree and postgraduate qualification in archives and/or records management, or equivalent experience.
• Strong archives management skills and knowledge of professional standards.
• Proven ability to manage staff and projects with clear timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and promote the Libraries’ archive and manuscript collections, focusing on STEM holdings.
• Plan and deliver archival projects; manage staff and priorities to agreed standards.
• Contribute to leadership and operational planning of Archives & Modern Manuscripts.

Skills

Archives management

People management

Project management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

IT and digital literacy

Education

Degree in archives/records management

Job description

About the role

Bodleian Libraries is looking for a Senior Archivist with a strong interest in STEM-related archives to join our Archives & Modern Manuscripts team. Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will contribute to the development, management and promotion of the Libraries’ archive and manuscript collections, with a particular focus on our STEM holdings. You will develop specialist knowledge of these collections and their research potential, support researchers and other users, and help maintain high standards of collections management and access.

You will also plan and deliver archival projects, manage and develop staff, and help ensure that work is effectively prioritised and delivered to agreed standards and timescales. As a member of the Archives Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the leadership, planning and operational management of Archives & Modern Manuscripts.

This is a full-time, fixed-term post for five years. The role is primarily on site, with scope to work from home for up to one day per week.

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

About You

You will have a relevant degree and postgraduate qualification in archives and/or records management, or equivalent relevant skills and experience, together with strong archives management skills and knowledge of relevant professional standards and practice.

You will have strong knowledge of and/or a demonstrable interest in one or more STEM disciplines and/or their historical development, particularly during the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as an understanding of the legal and ethical issues associated with modern archives. You will be an effective people and project manager, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, and strong IT and digital literacy.

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 ([e-mail]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the GLAM Recruitment team ([e-mail]).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Wednesday 14 October 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 4 November 2026.

National Museum Directors' Council, National Museums Liverpool, World Museum, WilliamBrown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN