Exhibitions Conservator

Location: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG

About the role

The Bodleian Libraries’ Public Engagement team delivers a vibrant programme of exhibitions displays and community projects, connecting audiences with world-class collections. You will support this work as part of a collaborative exhibitions and loans team. 

You will assist with the planning and installation of exhibitions, advising on conservation, display and environmental requirements. This includes preparing items for display and loan, assessing condition, designing mounts and working closely with colleagues across the Libraries and external partners to ensure successful delivery. 

You will also support outward loans, act as a courier, monitor environmental conditions, and contribute to smaller display projects and supervision of interns. 

This is a full-time, permanent post, working 37.5 hours per week on-site.

About You

You will have a recognised qualification in conservation or equivalent experience, with a background in collections care and exhibitions in a library, museum or heritage setting. You will understand best practice in conservation and be confident using environmental monitoring equipment and interpreting data. 

You will have a highly developed visual sense with an understanding of what makes an effective and imaginative display and exhibition. You will be organised and adaptable, able to manage priorities and work both independently and collaboratively. You will have strong communication and digital skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to travel, including holding a current driving licence and undertaking courier duties. 

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Sallyanne Gilchrist, Exhibitions Manager, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (sallyanne.gilchrist@bodleian.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the GLAM Recruitment team (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Friday 22 May 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 8 June 2026 in-person.

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