Science Museum Collection Archivist

Do you have a passion for uncovering hidden histories? Are you ready to take ownership of a remarkable archive and share its stories with the world? About us The 545-acre site plays a vital role in the Science Museum Group's sustainability activities and is surrounded by the stunning Wiltshire countryside, with lots of wildlife to spot around the site. It also hosts a range of commercial activities, including storage for the cultural sector, space for research and development projects, renewable energy generation and more. Our new facility at the heart of the Park, the Hawking Building, has transformed how we care for our object collection and houses everything from microscope slides to railway carriages. Over 400,000 are now accessible to the public. Our library and archives are stored in purpose-built facilities in the former WW2 buildings at the park. About the role The archive holdings of the Science Museum cover a huge range of topics, from Concorde to Covid, from space travel to deep sea exploration, from naval history to early computing. We are looking for a self-motivated Archivist to take responsibility for this complex collection, and to lead on making it more accessible for all, and working on the museum's collections development. In this role, as well as the day-to-day management of a national museum archive, you will be able to take responsibility for reviewing and improving our systems and processes, and contribute to future plans for the Science Museum's archives. You will be able to develop your own projects, identifying priority areas for improvement through cataloguing, restorage, and collections development. You will be seeking new ways to engage audiences with the archives and build the public profile of the collection, and identifying potential volunteering opportunities with archive materials. You will liaise with management and stakeholders across the Science Museum Group, advocating for curatorial team and their work on the project, and monitoring and reporting on their progress This position is offered at 28 hours per week and we are happy to be flexible about how those hours are arranged across the week to suit the successful candidate. The role is based at the Science and Innovation Park, with a hybrid working arrangement in place - we ask that post-holders work on-site for 3 out of every 4 days if working a 4-day week, or 4 out of 5 days for those who prefer to spread their hours across 5 days. About you We are looking for someone who is ready to take initiative and self-driven individual who is comfortable taking responsibility for a major project and working largely independently. The archive has not had a dedicated archivist in place for some time, and so this role requires someone who is ready to hit the ground running, assessing what is there, establishing priorities, and bringing the collection under proper control, in some cases from scratch. A qualification in archive management recognised by the Archives and Records Association, or active progress towards one, is essential; given the scope and seniority of the role, this is not something we are able to be flexible on. Alongside solid knowledge in archive and records management and collections care, we need someone with well-developed organisational skills and the ability to set clear goals, monitor progress, and keep things moving in the right direction without needing day-to-day direction. Just as important is a genuine commitment to bringing archives to life - this collection is full of historically significant material, and we want someone who will act as an ambassador for it, finding creative ways to engage diverse audiences both digitally and in person, and ensuring the archive is anything but locked away. Looking ahead, there is real potential for the role to grow, with projects in the pipeline that may bring additional staff or volunteers into the team, so an interest in that kind of development would be welcome. Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application. What we offer Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks. Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures. Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development. Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life. Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one. Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support. Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community. Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future. Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements. Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network. Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.