Assistant Conservator, Manuscripts & Printed Books (Fixed Term)

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As the principal museum of the University of Cambridge and the largest cultural venue in the region, The Fitzwilliam Museum acts as a crucial bridge between the University, the City and the rest of the world, and has an international reputation for extraordinary research, world class exhibitions, award-winning public programmes and significant collections spanning many cultures and centuries. The Hamilton Kerr Institute (HKI) is a sub-department of the museum and is one of the world's leading centres for teaching and research in paintings conservation and heritage science.

The Assistant Conservator will work as a member of a small, dynamic team to ensure the long-term preservation of the internationally significant manuscript and printed book collections of the Fitzwilliam Museum and make them accessible for the purposes of study, research, exhibitions, and the benefit of future generations.

Under the supervision of the Senior Conservator (Manuscripts and Printed Books), the role-holder will undertake conservation work on bindings, paper and parchment, and will be able to give preservation and handling advice as required. Typical material for treatment includes medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, non-western manuscripts, fine printed books dating from the 15th to the 21st century, manuscript and printed music, literary autographs and archival material. The role holder will contribute to ongoing research through their excellent practice of interventive treatments and preservation measures.

The manuscript and printed book conservation team also provides 600 hours of commercial conservation services to Trinity College annually. While the Senior Conservator is responsible for providing book and archive conservation work to Trinity College, they may delegate some projects to the Assistant Conservator, who will carry out treatments agreed between the Senior Conservator and the Fellow Librarian of Trinity College under the Senior Conservator's supervision.

The role holder will have relevant experience of carrying out complex book conservation treatments to the highest standards with great attention to detail. A can-do attitude, flexibility, good communication skills, and ability to work respectfully in a small team in a small workshop are a must.

In return we offer an encouraging and supportive environment to grow skills and experience, an attractive pension scheme and many employee benefits such as a shopping discounts scheme.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Closing date for applications: 8th June 2025

Interviews for the role will be held: 16th July 2025

Please quote reference DA46014 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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