Digitisation Project Conservator

Job title: Digitisation Project Conservator

Department: Library Services

Contract Type: 5.5 months Fixed Term contract, (subject to receiving funding this appointment may be extended).

Grade: 5 

Salary: £31,543.19 to £35,214.19 1.0 FTE (pro rata).  £14,457.29 to £16,139.83 per annum for 5.5 months appointment.

Location: Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London, United Kingdom

Hours: 35

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

This post will support a digitisation project by assessing the condition of items scheduled for digitisation and undertaking conservation treatments to prepare items for digitisation, using skills and knowledge acquired through qualification and practical experience. The project conservator will work under supervision to complete conservation treatments and support the digitisation team to meet agreed deadlines. They will work closely with the members of the Digitisation team and Special Collections to communicate technical information regarding document condition, document handling, plans of work, and workflow. 

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, 500 art objects (including a manual handling collection) and a growing network of electronic resources. 

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 digitisation project drawing on material from SOAS Library’s archives and special collections. 

About you

You will have graduated with a recognised qualification in book and paper conservation. You will have had practical hands-on experience of conservation treatments on books and manuscripts and able to propose treatment options. Good treatment documentation skills, knowledge of digitisation workflows and being able to assist and support the digitisation team. You will be supported by the Conservation Leader and will be working both individually and within a small team, working to meet strict deadlines so managing your time is important.

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.

How to Apply: 

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

Closing date: 23rd November 2025 at 11:59 p.m.                             

Interviews to be held: 8th and 10th December 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.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

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.