Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art
Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee)
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We are recruiting for our next Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee) post at the Paul Mellon Centre (PMC).
If you are interested in working with archives and library material, and are considering a career as an information management professional, then this eighteen-month salaried position would suit you. The role is aimed at individuals wanting to gain experience before undertaking a professional qualification in archives or libraries.
Working alongside our part-time Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee) you will support work across our increasingly busy Archives & Library department.
In this hands-on role, you will undertake a wide range of tasks and activities. You will receive on-the-job training across a variety of skills and become familiar with everyday work within a small, specialist archive and library.
Working for an educational charity and research centre in the arts and heritage sector, a key part of your role will involve helping researchers find the information they need.
The post is situated within a small team of librarians and archivists and is particularly suited to someone who enjoys an audience-facing role.
Who We Need
We are looking for someone who is keen to work across the Archives & Library department and who enjoys engaging with researchers and the public.
Alongside the existing part-time Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee) and with support from professional Archives & Library staff, you will deliver front-of-house services in the Public Study Room, answer basic enquiries and deal with copying requests.
You will gain experience in a range of library duties such as labelling books, processing stock and helping with displays and events. You will assist with core archival and records management tasks such as box listing and reviewing born-digital material.
This role would suit a graduate keen to pursue a career in archives, libraries or the information management professions. It requires someone with good communication skills who thrives on working with people. You will also need an enthusiasm for learning new skills, the capacity to undertake routine work and excellent attention to detail.
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Who We Are
The PMC is an educational charity that champions new ways of understanding British art history and culture, understood in its broadest context. We publish, teach and carry out research, both in London at the Centre and through our online platforms. Our archives, library and lively events programme are open to researchers, students and the public. The PMC’s grants and fellowships enable institutions and individuals to pursue exhibitions, publications, events and scholarly projects. Through all areas of our work, we promote activities that enhance and expand knowledge about British art. The PMC was founded in 1970 by art collector and philanthropist Paul Mellon, and is part of Yale University and partner to the Yale Center for British Art.
The PMC’s Archives & Library consist of:
- a reference library covering the history of British art and architecture of all periods
- over forty archive collections comprising the papers of art historians, auction houses and museum/gallery professionals
- an Institutional Archive, comprising the records created by the PMC in the course of its everyday work
- two photographic archive resources
The collections are used by a wide range of audiences from across the world: scholars, students, museum professionals, members of the art trade, artists, journalists and private individuals. Further information about the Archives & Library at the Centre is available on our website: www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/archives-and-library/about-archive-library-collections
About the Role
The salary for this role is £30,000.
This is a fixed-term contract for eighteen months.
This post is an eighteen-month full-time post and the hours of work are 35 per week, Monday–Friday. Applicants will be expected to work on-site at the PMC, Bedford Square, London WC1. However, there may be occasional circumstances (for example, when viewing a potential acquisition) where applicants may be required to work off-site. We are happy to talk about flexible working arrangements offered by the Centre. Due to the operational requirements of this role, the postholder will be expected to work on-site five days a week.
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Eligibility to Apply
If these four statements are true you are eligible to apply:
- I have been awarded an undergraduate degree (i.e. the final grade has been awarded).
- I do not have a postgraduate degree (Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, Integrated Masters, or Doctorate), nor have I embarked on one now, or at any time in the past. (Excepting a Scottish Master of Arts degree awarded to undergraduates as a first degree).
- I have a demonstrable interest in pursuing a career in the archives, library or information management professions. (Examples might include participating in remote volunteering projects regarding transcription of archival materials or helping out at a local library’s summer reading challenge etc.).
- I have not previously held a graduate trainee post in any field.
Please visit the FAQ section of the Archives & Library Graduate Trainee on the Paul Mellon Centre website for further details.
This role is not suitable for someone interested in a career as a museum, gallery or heritage professional (e.g. museum curator, gallery outreach and engagement officer etc.)
Application Process
Please apply using our web application form available via thepaulmelloncentre.hrpartner.io/jobs
If you have any issues applying, or have any queries with the web application form, please contact the HR team at recruitment@paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is Monday 5 October 2026, 10am BST.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Interviews
Interviews for the post will be held on Tuesday 3 November 2026.
Starting Date
It is hoped that the successful candidate would be available to start work in early December or as soon as possible thereafter.
Further information including full job description can be found on the Paul Mellon Centre website.
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