At a Glance
- Tasks: Co-design a research project on personal digital archives using local large language models.
- Company: The national library of the UK, dedicated to preserving and sharing knowledge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and a defined-benefit pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse candidates; excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the cultural sector while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Research experience and a passion for digital archives and technology.
The predicted salary is between 35993 - 35993 £ per year.
Contractual hours: 36 hours
Basis: Full time
Job category/type: Research
Date posted: 15/06/2026
Job reference: R
Location: St Pancras
Contract: Fixed term (12 months)
Hours: Full time (36 hours)
Grade: B
Salary: £35,993 per annum
This is the starting salary for this role, unless the successful candidate is able to evidence being in receipt of a higher salary, in which case this may be reviewed.
About the role
Co-design a research project with the Library for a 12-month funded fellowship, where you will be embedded in our expert curatorial and research teams. Thanks to a generous donation from Joanna and Graham Barker, these fellowships are designed to support and equip researchers, creatives, and cultural professionals with the practical skills, professional insight, and interdisciplinary experience needed to thrive in a rapidly changing knowledge landscape. A key element of this opportunity is a structured pathway for Fellows to gain transferable, future-facing skills, project- and line-management experience, feel supported within our research community, and generate new expertise for the wider cultural and academic ecosystem.
We are inviting research proposals that develop the theme of ‘Local Large Language Models to Enable Discovery and Access for Personal Digital Archives.’ This fellowship will be supervised by Callum McKean, Lead Curator for Born-Digital Archives, and supported by the Research Development Team.
Personal Digital Archives (PDAs) are collections of born-digital materials created over a person’s life and work. These include e-mails, documents, photographs, system files, voice recordings, and other digital content. The Library’s collection is the largest and most significant in the UK, and we play a leading international role in developing their preservation, description, and access.
Despite their value, PDAs present major challenges due to their scale and sensitive content and, as a result, many of these collections remain inaccessible to the public. The Fellow will explore how ‘local’ (offline) Large Language Models (LLMs) can be applied to PDAs, developing a case study approach to demonstrate how these tools can improve access and interpretation.
How to apply
To apply for this fellowship, you must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the attached guidelines and refer to the detailed research theme description. Please attach a short, anonymised CV (max. 2 pages) and a research proposal (max. 2000 words), including:
- Aims and objectives – What are you hoping to achieve with your proposed work? Why is it important?
- How it aligns with the research theme – What are the potential direct and indirect benefits to the Fellow, the Library, and the wider cultural and heritage sector?
- Methodology, including indicative timescale and outputs – How are you going to deliver your proposed work? Please include an outline budget. You may wish to include a Gantt chart or other visual aid to support this section.
- Professional development and career aspirations
About us
We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.
What we can offer you
- Access to a defined-benefit Civil Service pension scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time.
- 25 days’ holiday plus 2.5 privilege days.
Full details of employee benefits can be found on our Careers: Benefits.
Things you need to know
- We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role.
- Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check (DBS check).
- Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.
- We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse candidates and disabled candidates. Creating an inclusive workplace is the core of our business and a way to engage the diversity of thought that is essential to achieve our aims.
Closing date: 23:59 on 15 July 2026
Contact: Please contact:
Barker Postdoctoral Fellow in Born-Digital Archives in London employer: The British Library
As the national library of the UK, we offer an exceptional opportunity for the Barker Postdoctoral Fellow in Born-Digital Archives to engage with a vast and dynamic collection while being part of a supportive research community. Our commitment to professional development is evident through structured pathways that equip our fellows with transferable skills and project management experience, all within a flexible work environment that values inclusivity and diversity. Located in St Pancras, you will benefit from access to a wealth of resources and expertise, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful step in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Barker Postdoctoral Fellow in Born-Digital Archives in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at The British Library, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like The British Library. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Barker Postdoctoral Fellow in Born-Digital Archives in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at The British Library. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at The British Library. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Library
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at The British Library. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at The British Library to drive research projects forward.
