Job Title: Archive and Digitisation Assistant
Posting Start Date: 16/10/2026
Job Id: 3216
School/Department: Library
Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Closing Date: 05/11/2026
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
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Overview
The primary objective of this post is to make more of our collections accessible to a wider audience.This one-year post in the Special Collections, Heritage, and Archives team supports a project to develop a Digital Scholarship Suite and related services. The project has been enabled by a generous legacy gift left by Eric Pattison, an Alumnus of the School of English at the University of Sheffield. The Archive and Digitisation Assistant will assist both the Digitisation Officer and Project Archivist in their work to enable greater access to our unique and distinctive collections. The successful candidate should have, or demonstrate the ability to develop, a range of archive and technical skills. The role might suit someone who wishes to gain more practical experience prior to undertaking a postgraduate qualification in archives management.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Supporting the Project Archivist and Digitisation Officer
- Creation of basic metadata, transferring information from legacy finding aids to import spreadsheets
- Carrying out digitisation of a variety of formats, including creating essential descriptive and technical metadata
- Basic preservation work such as re-housing material into archival grade enclosures
- Uploading digital content and metadata to online catalogues and digital asset management systems following established procedures
- Preparing, sorting, and packaging material for outsourced digitisation and checking material that has been returned
- Assisting with the sorting and listing of uncatalogued collections
- Supervising the work of volunteers and student placements
- Other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Criteria
Enthusiasm for working with archive and library collections
Application/interview
Paid or voluntary experience of working in a library and/or archives environment and familiarity with a library/archives collections management system.
Application/interview
Basic knowledge of the principles of archival arrangement and description
Application/interview/task
Awareness of the functionality of Digital Asset Management systems and the use of digital collections in education and research
Application/Interview
Proven ability to work accurately and methodically, showing attention to detail.
Application/interview
Capable of working effectively both unsupervised and collaboratively, applying effective prioritisation skills to manage workflows and meet deadlines.
Application/interview
Ability to handle fragile material with due care of its preservation and security.
Application/interview
Application/interview
Experience of undertaking digitising work and understanding of related standards
Application/interview/task
Degree or equivalent in an arts or humanities subject
For informal enquiries about this job contact Mariam Yamin, Senior Archivist : on m.yamin@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 7236
Next steps in the recruitment process
The selection process will take place after the closing date.This will consist of a tour of the department, followed by an interview and a short practical task. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 3 weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact library-hr@sheffield.ac.uk
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ( www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
The University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN
+44 114 222 2000
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Archive and Digitisation Assistant in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to diversity, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including competitive annual leave and family-friendly policies, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. Join us in a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and innovation, making a meaningful impact in the academic community.
