Assistant Information Officer in Cambridge

This is an opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment with a variety of internationally important collections. You will be based within the BAS Information Services group, working across the Archives Service, Library and the UK Polar Data Centre. Jointly, these teams are responsible for managing 80 years’ worth of scientific and corporate data and information.

You will be responsible for administering cross-cutting activities within the group, in particular enquiry services and maintaining metrics. You will also help to improve collection discovery and access, creating and editing catalogue entries and metadata entries that cover archival material, library publications, and scientific datasets. We are looking for an enthusiastic person who enjoys communicating their work to colleagues and the wider public.

Previous experience of working in a data, archives or information management role and experience of Open Research practices would be an advantage, as would some background knowledge or interest in science and Antarctica. Please use your cover letter to tell us how you meet the skills specification for the role, and what excites you about this particular opportunity.

To support the work of the BAS Information Services group by answering enquiries, collating and reporting group output metrics and creating and maintaining metadata entries for both physical and digital information, with an initial focus in the BAS Archives and Library.

• To provide frontline enquiry support across the BAS Information Services group for both internal and external researchers.
• To create and maintain discovery and usage metadata entries using defined standards and controlled vocabularies.
• To participate in cross-cutting projects between BAS Information Services and other groups where applicable.
• To help with auditing and inventory maintenance across the group (e.g. Archives Store inventory, library stock control, audits of new scientific datasets etc.).
• To support with editing and maintaining web and intranet pages for the BAS Information Services teams.
• To support visitors and tours as required.
• To report output metrics across the group including compiling statistics on the number of enquiries, visitors and downloads.
• Administrative tasks relating to the BAS Information Services and wider Innovation and Impact Directorate.
• Any other duties compatible with band and skill set as required by the Line Manager or Director.

• Evidence of high levels of attention to detail.
• Ability to work methodically following a defined set of procedures.
• At least 5 GCSE/’O’ Levels or equivalent including English and Maths.
• Good IT skills – including good working knowledge of MS Office 365.
• Accurate data entry skills.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Ability to write accurately and concisely.
• Confidence to communicate effectively to a wide range of stakeholders (both internal and external).
• Ability to work independently once fully trained in the role.
• Experience of working successfully within a small team.
• Experience of dealing with the public (both face-to-face and via email) and/or handling enquiries.

• Previous experience of working in an information management role.
• Higher level qualification in a scientific or information management area.
• Proven ability to learn new systems.
• Experience of cataloguing using archival or library software.
• Knowledge of Open Research practices.
• Ability to effectively manage your own workload whilst working across multiple teams.
• An interest in science and the Antarctic/polar regions.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.