Librarian

Librarian

Salary: Band D £36,650 per annum

Hours: Full-Time (part-time can be considered, minimum 22 hours per week) (We understand the importance of work-life balance and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract Type: Open-Ended

Location Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh.

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic information professional to lead the library and archival services at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (ROE). This is a rare chance to manage one of the most historically significant scientific libraries in the UK, support cutting-edge research in astronomy, and contribute to exciting future developments of our library and collections.

Your responsibilities will include managing the library budget, maintaining and developing our collections (including rare manuscripts and archives), providing excellent user support, and shaping our library’s role in the wider STFC library system. You will also be a key stakeholder in a planned programme of restoration and upgrades to the library’s facilities, helping to ensure our spaces and services meet the long-term needs of our users. This role offers the chance to work closely with senior colleagues at the UK ATC and the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Astronomy, as well as with the STFC library, estates and public outreach teams.

Key Responsibilities

·      Deliver an excellent library and information service for the ROE community, supporting research, teaching and public engagement.

·      Manage the library budget and oversee procurement, retention and disposal policies to ensure sustainability and relevance of the collections.

·      Modernise and improve library systems and services and reinforce integration with the wider STFC library network.

·      Maintain and curate the ROE’s archives, including the historic Crawford Collection of rare manuscripts and early printed books, ensuring access for scholarly research and outreach.

·      Support the development and implementation of plans for the restoration and enhancement of the library spaces and facilities.

·      Contribute content to maintain and improve our library web pages.

·      Run tours and facilitate access to the collections for visitors, academics and members of the public.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone with a passion for connecting people with information and a commitment to preserving and showcasing our unique collections.

·      Educated to degree level with a postgraduate qualification in library/information management, or equivalent professional experience.

·      Proven experience delivering library services, including use of cataloguing standards.

·      Experience of, or a strong interest in, working with rare books, manuscripts and archives.

·      Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of users and stakeholders.

·      Experience managing a budget.

·      Familiarity with library management systems such as Alma/Primo (or similar).

·      Ability to contribute to both the operational and strategic development of library services.

Employee Benefits

We are offering a permanent position with a whole host of benefits including:

·      30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).

·      Flexible working hours.

·      An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.

·      Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking

·      Excellent learning and development opportunities.

·      Cycle to work scheme

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn – about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what’s possible.

The closing date for applications is 28th September 2025.