Collections Assistant

Royal College of Physicians of Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s Heritage Centre manages an internationally important collection of archives, printed material and objects relating to the history of medicine and medical education in Ireland. We are Ireland’s only accredited medical museum and are developing a publicly accessible museum.

This role will carry out cataloguing, photographing, and packing of our object collections. We seek a meticulous, well organized Collections Assistant who can work with Axiell

Qualifications

• Post-graduate qualification in museums, archives or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Practical experience with collection management systems is desirable.
• Excellent IT skills with familiarity of databases, especially Axiell Collections.

Responsibilities

• Cataloguing objects using Axiell Collections.
• Photographing objects and uploading digital assets to Preservica and linking to Axiell records.
• Packing objects in preparation for decant.

Skills

Communication

Attention to Detail

Self-motivation

Organizational skills

Education

Post-graduate qualification in museums/archives or related field

Tools

Axiell Collections

Preservica

Job description

Company Description

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives. Through its Faculties and Institutes, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to care for patients and run safe and efficient healthcare systems. It also offers a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners in the wider healthcare sector.

Job Description

• Position: Collections Assistant
• Contract: 1 Year contract
• Reporting to: Collections Manager
• Salary: €31,000
• Closing date: 2 November 2026 at 16:00
• Start Date: The successful applicant will start in January 2027

Post Summary

RCPI’s Heritage Centre manages an internationally important collection of archives, printed material and objects relating to the history of medicine and medical education in Ireland. We are Ireland’s only accredited medical museum. As one of the strategic aims of the College we are developing a publicly accessible museum. These roles will carry out cataloguing, photographing, and packing of our object collections.

Standard Duties of the Post

• Cataloguing objects using Axiell Collections.
• Photographing objects, uploading digital assets to Preservica & linking to Axiell Collections records.
• Packing objects in preparation for decant.

Requirements

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in an organised and productive way, with strong attention to detail.
• Self-starter with high motivation and the ability to work flexibly on own initiative to achieve goals within agreed timeframes.
• Excellent IT skills. Practical experience of using collection management systems or databases, especially Axiell Collections, is desirable.
• Post-graduate qualification in museums, archives or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of collections care practices and demonstrable experience of how this applies.

Competencies

• Communication and Interpersonal
• Attention to Detail
• IT Literacy
• Cataloguing
• Collaboration

Why us?

• We offer 21 days annual leave with an additional 3-4 college days as well as long service leave to all employees. We also provide support for staff with Maternity, Sick, Parents, and Parental leave.
• An Employee Assistance Programme with Spectrum Life is available to all staff members as well as annual flu vaccine.
• A defined contribution pension scheme of 1.5% Employee contribution and RCPI contribution from commencement date with an increase after 18 months
• Pro-rata €1,500 annual flexible benefit upon completion of a successful probationary period.
• 4 times your annual salary.
• We offer CPD options including study leave and access to our internal LMS Training system.
• RCPI recognises the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We were recently awarded a Silver accreditation from Investors in Diversity. We are an open and inclusive organisation that celebrates and welcomes diversity. We lead initiatives that support, promote and demonstrate a culture of mutual respect, inclusivity, and diversity, as outlined in our Diversity and Inclusion policy.
• The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is an inclusive employer and in line with our policies you are invited to disclose any reasonable accommodations you require for applying, interviewing or working with RCPI. Please be assured this information will be treated as confidential and not used for the purpose of selection. If you have any queries, please contact Suzann Donnelly at [e-mail].

Accommodations

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is an inclusive employer and in line with our policies you are invited to disclose any reasonable accommodations you require for applying, interviewing or working with RCPI. Please be assured this information will be treated as confidential and not used for the purpose of selection. If you have any queries, please contact Suzann Donnelly at [e-mail].

About Us

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives. Through its Faculties and Institutes, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to care for patients and run safe and efficient healthcare systems. It also offers a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners in the wider healthcare sector.