Prize Papers Project Conservator

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Collection Care Department at the National Archives in Kew and to lead on one of the most vast and unique troves of documents and artifacts that track the daily lives of people around the globe in the time of the European colonial expansion and resistance. The Prize Papers Project Conservator will work exclusively on this externally funded Digitisation project and will be responsible for the preservation of this physical collection through interventive and preventive means. The aim of this role is to prepare this collection for imaging while also maximising access to these archival records to enhance the experience of our users.

This will be achieved through a combination of project planning, day to day conservation bench work and isolated research practitioner led treatment projects. This role will take the lead as required and work together with colleagues across the organisation as well as external visitors and stakeholders to enable the success of this project. You will have an extensive knowledge of paper conservation practice, with a specialism in assessing and preparing records for Digitisation, bringing excellent project management skills as well as an informed approach to the delivery of conservation treatments in line with current conservation standards for the Digitisation of archival documents.

This post will sit within the Conservation for Imaging team and you will take an active role in the on-going development of the team within The Collection Care Department by actively engaging in data collecting of all conservation treatments for the Digitisation process, knowledge sharing, teaching and mentoring others, planning and organising whilst actively promoting the work of the department across The National Archives and to a wider professional community. This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.

Person Specification

• A graduate from a recognised conservation or heritage science programme or appropriate work experience with a high standard of conservation knowledge, skill and practice beyond initial training with a demonstrable expertise in the conservation of paper and archive materials.
• Extensive knowledge of current conservation practice and ethical standards and the ability to develop creative and innovative approaches to the care and conservation of large archival collections.
• Demonstrable skills in solving complex problems and making decisions with a high degree of professional judgement.
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively to deliver outcomes to an agreed standard and timetable.
• Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative, with strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload while under pressure in order to meet strict deadlines and targets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; the ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation and with a wide range of external customers.
• Proficiency with IT systems including MS office products and collections management systems.
• PACR (Professional Accreditation of Conservators - Restorers) accredited membership of Icon or a willingness to pursue such accreditation.
• Excellent IT and numeracy skills, and experience of working with large data sets.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Published professional papers.

Closing date: Sunday 18th January 2026 at midnight.