At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with alumni research enquiries and compile findings from the University archives.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a vibrant community committed to equality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, professional development, and generous leave entitlement.
- Other info: Part-time role with excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong research and communication skills; must be a current University of Edinburgh student.
The predicted salary is between 26093 - 28778 £ per year.
UE04: £26,093.00 - £28,778.00 per annum, pro rata
ISG / Library & University Collections / Heritage Collections (Access & Engagement)
Part-time: 7 hours per week
Fixed term: 1st September 2026 – 31st July 2027
Your next step starts here. Join the University of Edinburgh and you’ll be making a difference to everything around you. You’ll do meaningful work, grow and progress, be rewarded and recognised, and benefit from our strong commitment to your wellbeing.
The Opportunity:
We are looking for a part-time Alumni Archives Enquiry Assistant to join our friendly and welcoming Research Services team within Heritage Collections. This is a fixed-term position for 11 months and is based at the Centre for Research Collections, within the Main University Library, on the central George Square campus.
The Alumni Archives Enquiry Assistant will work 7 hours per week, 9am-5pm, on either a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday (to be agreed). This post is designated for the purposes of student employment; therefore, you must be a matriculated University of Edinburgh student for the duration of your employment.
The University of Edinburgh is committed to providing a positive employment experience for all students. To support students in combining work with studies, we strongly advise you don’t exceed the University’s recommended number of working hours per week:
- 15 hours for undergraduate students (up to 35 hours during vacation)
- 15 hours for postgraduate taught students (all year round)
- 9 hours for postgraduate research students (all year round)
Please note, these recommendations apply to the total number of hours you are employed across all posts.
What the job involves:
- Answering incoming research enquiries from internal and external researchers relating to University of Edinburgh alumni.
- Undertaking research into individual alumni through consulting the University archives and compiling findings into clear written communication to users.
- Developing comprehensive knowledge of the University’s archives, genealogical research resources, and the historical background of the University.
- Using archive and library catalogues to navigate collections and locating items.
A bit about you:
- Strong research skills.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information into a clear and accessible form.
- A methodical working style with the ability to pay close attention to detail.
- The ability to work well independently and complete a project to a deadline.
- An interest in the University’s heritage collections.
- A commitment to supporting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace.
Our people are at the centre of the University community and everything we do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful flexibility that works for you.
A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:
- Professional development and subject matter expertise.
- Interesting work.
- Variety every day.
- Contributing to the work and purpose of the University.
How to apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
Applications by CV only will not be considered.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 17 August 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.
Alumni Archives Enquiry Assistant employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion. With over 400 years of history, it provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive community of more than 17,000 staff and 50,000 students. As a leading research-intensive university, it empowers its employees to drive organisational transformation and innovate in a dynamic environment, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Alumni Archives Enquiry Assistant
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities centred around digital learning and education, like EdTech chats on Twitter or groups on LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions and sharing your insights can help build your visibility and credibility in the sector.
✨Attend EdTech Meetups and Workshops
Look for local meetups or workshops focused on digital education trends. Not only do they enable us to learn about the latest in the field, but they’re also great networking opportunities to meet potential employers like University of Edinburgh or other educators who might know about upcoming part-time roles.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university's career services. They often have connections with local businesses in the education space, plus they can help us uncover part-time job openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Showcase Your Skills through Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or experiences in digital learning. Whether it's designing a learning module or contributing to an e-learning platform, having tangible examples will catch the eye of hiring managers at University of Edinburgh.
We think you need these skills to ace Alumni Archives Enquiry Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Digital Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning like the Alumni Archives Enquiry Assistant at University of Edinburgh, make sure to showcase any prior experience you have in creating or managing online learning materials. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t shy away from providing specific examples or projects you’ve worked on.
Showcase Relevant Skills and Tools:Mention any specific platforms or tools you’ve used in the digital learning space. For instance, if you're familiar with LMS (Learning Management Systems) or any authoring tools, include these in your CV. This demonstrates you’re not only passionate but also ready to hit the ground running at University of Edinburgh.
Express Your Passion for Education:In your cover letter, we really want to feel your enthusiasm for digital learning. Talk about your motivations for joining University of Edinburgh and how you hope to contribute to shaping the future of education. This is a part-time role, so highlighting your commitment and drive will go a long way!
Tailor Your CV to Stand Out:Adapt your CV specifically for the Alumni Archives Enquiry Assistant role by aligning your experiences and skills directly with the job description. Use strong action verbs and bullet points, focusing on your contributions in previous roles. We appreciate a clear, concise format that makes it easy for us at University of Edinburgh to see why you’re a perfect fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
In the digital learning and education space, being tech-savvy is crucial. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, or educational software during your interview. Think about specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to enhance learning experiences – this will show University of Edinburgh you’re already familiar with the landscape!
✨Prepare to Discuss Educational Theories
Expect questions related to educational methodologies or theories that underpin digital learning. Brush up on concepts like constructivism or blended learning and be ready to discuss how these can apply to real-world scenarios. The interviewers at University of Edinburgh will appreciate your understanding of the educational principles that drive effective learning.
✨Flexibility & Adaptability are Key
As this is a part-time role, demonstrate how you can manage your time effectively and adapt to the dynamic demands of the position. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple tasks while contributing to team projects. This will reassure University of Edinburgh that you’re not just a candidate but a reliable team member who can juggle responsibilities.
✨Portfolio and Samples Matter
Even for a part-time gig, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. If you've designed any e-learning modules, created educational content, or implemented any successful teaching strategies, make sure you can present those. Being ready with tangible examples from your past work will help you make a stronger case to University of Edinburgh about what you bring to the table.
