Project Archivist (BFI)

Closing Date: 19th November at 23:59 (GMT).
Job Type: Full-time, fixed-term - until 30th October 2026.

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate with an interest in preserving archival film for this exciting opportunity to join the Museum of English Rural Life’s team. The Project Archivist will be responsible for appraising and cataloguing archival films of the Richard Watts collection. They will also manage the digitisation process of 80-100 which will be provided by a third party and assist with identifying film for a wide range of audiences. The role has been funded with the support of the British Film Institute Screen Heritage Fund, awarding National Lottery funding as part of a project Inclusive approaches to accessing rural archive film.

The postholder will work alongside the Project Engagement Officer also funded by this project.

The post is fixed-term, 1.0 FTE, end date 30 Oct 2026.

You will have:

• Higher Education degree or equivalent.
• Relevant professional qualification (in archives studies/management/ administration) or extensive archival experience.
• Archive cataloguing methods, systems and standards.

Closing date: 19 November 2025
Interviews will be held: 1 December 2025

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact Details
Contact Name: Caroline Gould
Contact Job Title: Principal Archivist
Contact Email Address: c.l.gould@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Guy Baxter
Alternative Contact Job Title: Associate Director (Archives Services)
Alternative Contact Email Address: g.l.baxter@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Advert information