Archivist: Collections Research and Engagement

The opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to develop your career in archives at one of the world’s leading universities for art and design. University of the Arts London is seeking a talented Archivist to map and develop the impact of its world-renowned archives, museum and special collections in the research environment, demonstrating their value to scholarly, community and global audiences.

Working collaboratively across our library services, archives & museum and our research teams, you will review engagement with our diverse collections; support research and academic liaison; develop funding opportunities and measure the impact of collections-based activities.   You will evidence the importance of archives in creative education and research, within UAL and around the world.

A central part of your work will be uncovering and sharing hidden stories within the collections, bringing them to life for new audiences through advocacy and sector-wide knowledge sharing in publications, conferences and online platforms. You will also strengthen UAL’s reputation as a leader in collections-based research and engagement, by compiling evidence of successful engagement projects.

Your profile

We are looking for someone with a strong academic or professional background in archives, digital research or the wider galleries, libraries, archives, museum (GLAM) sector, who has experience of fostering and mapping audience engagement in this context.

You will be a strong collaborator, able to work effectively across professional groups and disciplines, and can bring both leadership and teamwork skills to shared projects.

To succeed in this role, you will also need a solid understanding of digital developments in art and design, together with insight into emerging approaches to learning, teaching and research, particularly in relation to e-learning and digital literacy.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Start your application

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.