Project Assistant Archivist – Rehouse

Job Description

Collection Projects and Resources
Position: Project Assistant Archivist (Rehouse)
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration: Fixed-term, 6 months
Salary: £28,144 per annum
Location: British Museum Archaeological Research Collection (BM_ARC), Reading
Application Deadline: 12pm (midday), 3 April 2025

About the Role:
The British Museum is looking for a Project Assistant Archivist (Rehouse) to join our team at the newly established British Museum Archaeological Research Collection (BM_ARC) in Reading. This role focuses on rehousing paper records tied to excavated archaeological assemblages, organizing them into new storage at BM_ARC, and updating digital catalogue entries. You’ll also assist the Archivist in maintaining access to this valuable resource and answering queries from Museum staff and the public.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist the Archivist in rehousing paper excavation archives at BM_ARC, ensuring items are properly organized, documented, and stored.

Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards for archive management.

Enhance catalogue records using the Museum’s digital system (AI+) to meet accreditation standards.

Support archive preservation by transferring materials into conservation-grade storage.

Collaborate with the Archivist, Programme Manager: Collection Storage Strategy, Project Manager: Collection Storage, and Senior Administrator to procure storage furniture and materials within budget.

Facilitate access to the archive for staff and the public, responding to general inquiries about its contents and use.

Perform additional relevant tasks as needed.

About You:

Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.

Strong information management skills, including experience with digital archive catalogues, handling fragile records, and understanding archive cataloguing standards.

Knowledge of paper excavation records in archaeological research, proficiency with IT software, and administrative experience.

Background in records management or archives within a public or private organization.

Highly organized, task-focused, with excellent coordination and time management skills to juggle competing priorities.

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; articulate, persuasive, and adaptable, with strong interpersonal abilities to work solo or in a team.

Confident, approachable demeanor.

About the British Museum:
Since its founding in 1753, the British Museum has chronicled over two million years of human history through its extraordinary collection. A top global attraction, it features treasures like the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen, alongside a vast array of prints and drawings by artists like Dürer, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt. Explore our virtual gallery to see some of these remarkable works.

Benefits Include:

25 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 after 10 years), plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.

Civil Service defined benefit pension scheme (details here).

Free entry to numerous museums and exhibitions.

Access to exclusive Museum activities, including curator talks and behind-the-scenes insights into collection care.

Interest-free loans for travel, bicycles, and rental deposits.

Opportunities for professional and personal development.

Employee Assistance Programme.

Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.

Additional Information:

Full job description available in the attached document.

For application support or to request accommodations, email bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is limited to roles meeting specific criteria, including a minimum salary of £38,700 or the job’s going rate (whichever is higher) and eligibility under the Skilled Worker visa list: Eligible Occupations. More details: Skilled Worker Visa: Your Job.

The British Museum champions equality, aiming for a harassment-free workplace where diversity enhances our mission. We especially welcome applications from ethnic minority candidates, who are underrepresented in senior roles.

Flexible working is offered, typically with about 4 days per week on-site. Discuss options at the interview stage.

Pre-employment screening follows the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for Civil Servants.