Digitisation Lead Conservator

Job title: Digitisation Lead Conservator
Department: Library Services
Contract Type: Fixed term (to June 2026, with the possibility to extend)
Grade: 7
Salary: £42,762.57-£49,926.57 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 leading role 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

The Digitisation Lead Conservator will lead the conservation team for the delivery of the collection care and conservation of a funded digitisation project.

The Digitisation Lead Conservator will work within the Collections Care and Digitisation unit and will be expected to work closely with colleagues in Special Collections and Access & Discovery.  As well as planning and organising their own work, the post holder will be responsible for planning and prioritising the conservation team’s work ensuring that targets are met.

The role requires an understanding of established procedures and support, as well as the ability not only to carry out the allocated workload but also to react to changing priorities and to ensure work conforms to agreed quality standards, guidelines, and procedures.

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 a comprehensive understanding of conservation standards, technologies, and practices across a range of material cultures. You will bring your experience of working on digitisation projects and of leading a team to this project. You will work within the Collections Care and Digitisation unit and will liaise effectively with colleagues in the Special Collections and Access & Discovery teams in SOAS Library as well as other key internal stakeholders. You will draw on your strong organisational and analytical skills to coordinate the work of the project conservation team and deliver the project to schedule.

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.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement. 

Closing date: Sunday 29 June 2025 
Interviews to be held: Tuesday 22 July 2025

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.

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.