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- Tasks: Assist in managing rare books and museum collections while ensuring their care and preservation.
- Company: Join the University of St Andrews, a leader in education and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a difference in heritage and culture.
- Qualifications: Interest in rare collections and strong teamwork skills are essential.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Libraries and Museums at the University of St Andrews as a Collections Assistant (University Collections & Museums). This is a full-time standard position (36.25 hours per week). The postholder will join the Conservation and Collections Care Team within the University Collections and Museums Directorate.
The successful candidate will show a keen interest and experience in working with rare books, archival and museum collections and be capable of prioritising work effectively in a project-driven environment, as the team prepares for major collections moves. You will demonstrate excellent teamwork skills, alongside the care, confidence, and attention to detail required to handle rare and fragile material safely. Experience in a heritage or library environment would be advantageous but is not essential.
Benefits:
- Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
- Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- Hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
- 30 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Collections Assistant employer: University of St Andrews
Contact Detail:
University of St Andrews Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the heritage and library sectors, especially those connected to St Andrews. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Collections Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to interview, let your enthusiasm for rare books and collections shine through. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re from volunteering or personal projects, to demonstrate your commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for practical assessments or scenario-based questions during interviews. Think about how you’d handle fragile materials or prioritise tasks in a busy environment – it’s all about showing you can think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with rare books and collections shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the impact you can make in our Conservation and Collections Care Team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience, even if it’s not directly in a heritage or library environment. We appreciate transferable skills, so don’t hesitate to showcase any teamwork, attention to detail, or project management experience you have.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We love a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences. Use bullet points where possible to break up text and make it more digestible.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at St Andrews.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of St Andrews
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the types of rare books and archival materials the University Collections & Museums holds. Showing genuine interest and knowledge about their collections can really impress the interviewers and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you contributed to a project and how you handled challenges as part of a team.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Handling rare and fragile materials requires a keen eye for detail. Prepare to share instances where your attention to detail made a difference, whether in previous jobs or during relevant projects. This will show that you understand the importance of care in this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Conservation and Collections Care Team and their upcoming projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. It’s a win-win!