Digitisation Project Conservator

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 pro rata

(actual salary: £14,457.29 to £16,139.83 per annum for 5.5 months appointment).

Location: Bloomsbury, London

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. 

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 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.

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. 

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

How to Apply: 

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

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

Interviews to be held: 8^th and 10^TH December 2025

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