Vacancy for Collections and Research Access Manager at University of Oxford

Digital Preservation Coalition; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford is seeking a Collections and Research Access Manager to oversee an extensive collection. The role supports research, teaching, and public engagement, with responsibilities including collections care, documentation, and stakeholder collaboration within a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in museum/library studies or equivalent experience required.
• Familiarity with databases preferred.
• Solid understanding of collections care and preservation principles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee care and provide access to the collection.
• Manage object lifecycle including acquisitions and digitization.
• Support research access and manage loans to external institutions.

Skills

Meticulous record-keeping

Stakeholder relationships

Education

Museum and/or library studies

Tools

Axiell EMu

Job description

Vacancy for Collections and Research Access Manager at University of Oxford

24 August 2022

Oxford

Full-Time

The History of Science Museum is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic collections professional to oversee care and provide access to over 40,000 objects in their internationally recognized collection, ranging from Roman sundials to Arabic astrolabes to contemporary collections from the COVID front lines.

The post of Collections and Research Access Manager, Object Collections, offers an excellent opportunity to care for this important collection and support research, teaching, and public engagement with the history of science.

The Museum is developing Vision 2024, its strategy for the centenary redevelopment of its main building and displays, and planning large-scale offsite moves and a new Collections Teaching and Research Centre. The Collections Manager for Object Collections will participate in these initiatives, contributing to planning and delivery. They will also manage and care for the collection, maintain collections information, and enable access for researchers and the public, both in person and remotely.

The Collections Manager will oversee all aspects of the object lifecycle, including acquisitions, disposals, documentation, digitization, rights management, storage planning, handling, packing, and movement of collections. They will support research access, internal displays, exhibitions, and manage loans to external institutions.

The ideal candidate will have qualifications in museum and/or library studies or equivalent experience, meticulous record-keeping skills, familiarity with databases (preferably Axiell EMu), and a solid understanding of collections care and preservation principles. The role joins a small, collegial team that values diplomacy, professionalism, and strong stakeholder relationships.