The role
Ever wanted to work in an institution that is home to one of the world's great collections of cultural treasures and research materials?
Spanning thousands of years of human thought and discovery, Cambridge University Libraries and Archives house unique treasures and research materials made up of nearly ten million books, maps, manuscripts, notated music, photographs and priceless objects.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to improve public access to, and to raise the research profile of, music archives at Cambridge University Libraries and Archives. Our rich and varied archives document composers, performers, musicologists and publishers and collectively comprise a resource of outstanding significance to British musical heritage. These collections often contain a mixture of published and manuscript notated music, ephemera, sound recordings and archival documents.
As Special Collections Cataloguer (Music) you will
- Improve discoverability of music collections through descriptive and analytical methods.
- Undertake appraisal, processing, listing and cataloguing of collections and the retrospective conversion of finding aids.
- Answer research enquiries relating to music collections and assess material for imaging requests.
What we are looking for
- Practical experience of working in archives.
- Music literacy, such as the ability to read music notation and to place sources in their historical context.
- Digital literacysuch as a knowledge of metadata requirements for music materials.
What we offer
- Flexible and opportunities such as part-time hours, job shares, and staggered hours.
- Generousannual leave allowanceof 36 days (inclusiveofpublic holidays).
- Exceptionalparentalleave (including maternity, paternity / co-parent, adoption and shared parental leave).
- Discountsonmajorretailers.
- Professional development opportunitiessuch as apprenticeshipsand accesstoavarietyoftrainingcourses.
Fixed‑term:Thefundsforthispostareavailablefor3yearsinthefirstinstance.
We welcomeapplicationsfromindividualstobeconsideredforpart‑timeworkingorotherflexibleworkingarrangements.
We particularly welcomeapplicationsfromcandidatesfromaBMEbackgroundforthisvacancyastheyarecurrentlyunder‑representedatthislevelinthedepartment.
For informal enquiries please contact Anna Pensaert, Head of Music Collections at amljp2@cam.ac.uk.
Application closing date: Sunday 15 November 2026. Interview date: Monday 30 November 2026.
For further details please refer to the Further Particulars.
Please quote reference VE51557 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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Special Collections Cataloguer (Music) (Fixed Term) in Cambridge employer: University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, particularly within the Department of Oncology, where you will play a pivotal role in advancing cancer research. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work alongside leading experts in the field. The university's commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that your contributions will have a meaningful impact on clinical care and research outcomes.
