At a Glance
- Tasks: Co-design a research project on Colonial Deposit with expert curatorial teams.
- Company: The national library of the UK, home to over 170 million items.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and a Civil Service pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse candidates; excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural heritage while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Research experience and a passion for cultural and heritage sectors.
The predicted salary is between 35993 - 35993 £ per year.
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 you have evidence of a higher salary, in which case it may be reviewed.
About the role
Co‑design a research project with the Library for a 12‑month funded fellowship, embedded in our expert curatorial and research teams. The fellowship supports researchers, creatives and cultural professionals with practical skills, professional insight and interdisciplinary experience. It aims to develop the theme of “Colonial Deposit and our Newspaper Collection.” Supervised by Dr Beth Gaskell, Lead Curator for News & Moving Image, and supported by the Research Development Team.
Legal deposit for books has existed in Britain since 1662. National newspaper collecting followed a different path, especially colonial deposit. Our collection of newspapers from Commonwealth countries is significant but varied. You will widen knowledge and understanding, identify unique material for future digitisation and gaps for acquisition, and highlight lesser‑known titles and stories for exhibition and outreach.
How to apply
To apply you must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the attached guidelines. Attach a short, anonymised CV (max. 2 pages) and a research proposal (max. 2000 words) covering:
- Aims and objectives – What you hope to achieve with your proposed work and why it is important.
- How it aligns with the research theme – Potential direct and indirect benefits to the Fellow, the Library, and the wider cultural and heritage sector.
- Methodology, indicative timescale and outputs – How you will deliver the proposed work, including an outline budget and possibly a Gantt chart or visual aid.
- Professional development and career aspirations.
About us
We are the national library of the UK, with over 170 million items. Our mission is to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and into the future.
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.
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 support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful and taken from your own experience. Plagiarism may result in withdrawal.
- We welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race, other ethnically diverse and disabled candidates. Inclusive workplace is core to our business.
Closing date: 23:59 on 15 July 2026
If you have any questions, please contact:
Barker Postdoctoral Fellow in Colonial Deposit in London employer: The British Library
As the national library of the UK, we offer an enriching environment for the Barker Postdoctoral Fellow in Colonial Deposit, where you will collaborate with expert curatorial and research teams to explore significant historical collections. Our commitment to professional development is evident through flexible working arrangements, a defined-benefit pension scheme, and a culture that values inclusivity and diversity, making it an ideal place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Barker Postdoctoral Fellow in Colonial Deposit 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
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✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Barker Postdoctoral Fellow in Colonial Deposit 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.
