The Special Collections Division of the University of St Andrews Library is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and knowledgeable conservator with a passion for preservation to ensure our internationally significant collections receive the best possible standards of care in sometimes challenging conditions. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of our key strategic goals, preserving our collections for future generations and keeping them accessible to the national and international research community.  

A qualified book or paper conservator, you will use your technical knowledge and consultancy skills to offer support and guidance in all aspects of preventive conservation and collections care. Working closely with the curatorial staff and the Reading Room team, you will seek to gain an overview of the condition of the collections, identify particular risks and issues, and recommend actions and strategies in accordance with conservation best practice.  

The Library has no conservation studio and remedial conservation is contracted out to freelance conservators. The focus of this post is on preventive conservation, preservation, and collections care. Duties will include condition surveys across the collections, planning and implementing a cleaning programme, monitoring and analysing environmental readings, rehousing, maintaining conservation records, preparing items for exhibition, and training and supervising volunteers.  

You will have the opportunity to work across all the areas of the collections including rare and early printed books, archives and manuscripts, and photographs. Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate technical information clearly are essential. Documentation and data management will be key elements of this post.  

This post is externally funded and 2 years fixed term.  

For an informal discussion of this post please contact Gabriel Sewell, Head of Special Collections, on gms22@st-andrews.ac.uk or 01334 462373.  

The University of St Andrews is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, which is further demonstrated through its working on the Gender and Race Equality Charters and being awarded the Athena SWAN award for women in science, HR Excellence in Research Award and the LGBT Charter;  http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/. 

Please quote ref: CG1455KC

Closing Date: 11 November 2015

Further Particulars: CG1455KC FPs.doc

University Library
Salary: £21,391 - £24,775 per annum
Start: As soon as possible
Duration of post: Fixed for 2 years