Archive Assistant

Archive Assistant

Cambridge Internship 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Cambridge Service Alliance

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in managing archives and support researchers accessing collections.
  • Company: Sedgwick Museum, a hub for geological research and public engagement.
  • Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in archives management and contribute to exciting projects.
  • Other info: Limited funding available until September 2029; diverse candidates encouraged to apply.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help preserve history while inspiring future generations.
  • Qualifications: Passion for archives, strong communication skills, and IT proficiency.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

Overview

Interested in developing your career in archives management?

Keen to contribute to delivering a high quality service to archive users, and a great communicator? The Sedgwick Museum has a vacancy for an Archive Assistant to join the Museum team. This new role provides an exciting opportunity to work alongside the Museum Archivist, and contribute to the development and promotion of the Museum\’s archive as an international focus for collections research.

Responsibilities

  • Documentation and contributing to the care of the archives.
  • Assisting with collections enquiries and enabling researchers to access and use the archives.
  • Promoting the use of the archives within the Museum and the wider community.

About the Archives and Museum

The Sedgwick Museum\’s collections comprise more than two million fossils, rocks, minerals representing 300 years of collecting. The archive comprises over 2000 boxes of irreplaceable records from 17th century drawings of fossils to unique historic geological field notebooks, sketches, maps, and an extensive fieldwork photographic archive. The archive includes papers charting the history and development of the Museum, the papers of Woodwardian professors including the field notebooks of Adam Sedgwick, the Sedgwick Club Archive and the Cambridge Svalbard Exploration Archive. The Museum welcomes more than 90,000 public visitors a year and delivers popular public programmes and outreach. The Museum\’s priorities include supporting world-leading research, welcoming and inspiring our public visitors, supporting and enriching student learning and skills development, and working collaboratively with museums, universities and communities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Requirements / Qualifications

  • Understanding of the role and activities of an archive, and a demonstrable commitment to a career in archives management.
  • Familiarity with standards for care and handling of archive materials; interest in or knowledge of geology, geography, fieldwork and/or the history of science is desirable.
  • Clear and confident written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate with a wide variety of specialist and non-specialist users.
  • Excellent IT skills, including the ability to use and work with databases in an archive, museum or heritage context; good planning and organisational skills.

Contract and Funding

Limited funding: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2029 in the first instance.

Diversity and Inclusion

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

How to Apply

Click the \’Apply\’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Please quote reference LB46910 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Additional Information

Interview dates: We anticipate interviews will be carried out in person during w/c 27 October 2025 but can accommodate interviews by Zoom if necessary. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information: For further information about the role, please see the Further Particulars.

Apply online

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Archive Assistant employer: Cambridge Service Alliance

The Sedgwick Museum offers a unique opportunity for an Archive Assistant to thrive in a vibrant work environment dedicated to preserving and promoting invaluable geological collections. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the Museum fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, encouraging staff to engage with diverse communities and contribute to world-leading research. Located in a historic setting, this role not only provides meaningful work but also allows you to be part of a team that inspires over 90,000 visitors annually.
Cambridge Service Alliance

Contact Detail:

Cambridge Service Alliance Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Archive Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the archives and museum field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the Sedgwick Museum and its collections. Show your passion for archives management and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your skills and experiences that align with their needs.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves interacting with a variety of users, being clear and confident in your communication is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Sedgwick Museum. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Archive Assistant

Archives Management
Documentation Skills
Research Assistance
Communication Skills
IT Skills
Database Management
Planning Skills
Organisational Skills
Knowledge of Archive Standards
Interest in Geology
Interest in Geography
Interest in History of Science

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Archives: Let us see your enthusiasm for archives management! In your application, share why you’re keen on this field and how your experiences align with the role. A genuine interest can really make you stand out.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Archive Assistant position. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially your communication skills and IT proficiency.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We want to understand your qualifications without any confusion!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Remember to quote reference LB46910 in your application to ensure it gets to the right place.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Service Alliance

✨Know Your Archives

Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the role of an Archive Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the Sedgwick Museum's collections and their significance. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to their mission.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a great communicator, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to engage with both specialist and non-specialist users. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully assisted others in accessing information or resources, and be ready to share those stories.

✨Highlight Your IT Proficiency

Since excellent IT skills are crucial for this role, brush up on any relevant software or databases used in archives management. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you can leverage them to enhance the museum's archive services.

✨Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the museum's future projects, community engagement strategies, or how they support professional development in archives management. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is right for you.

Archive Assistant
Cambridge Service Alliance
Location: Cambridge
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