Main Purpose of the Job

The Archivist and Collections Engagement Curator is responsible for maintaining and promoting the “John Innes Collections”, an extensive set of records, artefacts and books which preserve and display historically significant material from the history of the study of genetics, plant science and microbiology, documenting over 500 years of botanical literature housed at the John Innes Centre in Norwich.

The JI Collections are comprised of the John Innes Archives (the definitive collection of over 300 years of history relating to the Innes Family, plus Institute and scientific records from 1910 to the present day), and the Special Collections, including the JIF Rare Books (a valuable collection of books dating back to 1511), the History of Genetics Library and the annotated libraries of William Bateson and Cyril Darlington.

As a qualified archivist, the post holder will manage the collections, and lead projects, programmes and activities to enable engagement with and use of the collections by internal and external users. You will also be confident in developing and delivering collaborative engagement and outreach activities related to historic collections and ideally have a keen interest in the history of science.

We are looking for someone with the skills and knowledge to proactively manage and develop the Collections, including the introduction of born-digital records relating to the organisation history and ‘life at JIC’ into the archive. This will require new systems to be set up and integrated with teams across the institute and externally to ensure that the Collections are accessible to the public.

The post holder will primarily work independently but is embedded in the John Innes Centre’s Communications and Engagement team who will work collaboratively to deliver events and engagement activities. The post holder will have close links to the Norwich Bioscience Institutes Library team. The role will include processing new accessions, managing and updating a digital catalogue and managing existing collections.

The Archive Curator and Outreach Co-ordinator will share insights from the collection with the world and encourage others to access and use them. We envisage that this role will require significant on-site working in Norwich, with options for some hybrid working.

Key Relationships

The Archivist and Collections Engagement Co-ordinator will share insights from the collection with the world and encourage others to access and use them.The post holder will work independently, but is embedded in and supported by the John Innes Centre’s Communications and Engagement team, and will report annually to the John Innes Foundation.
We envisage that this role will require significant on-site working in Norwich, with options for remote working where possible.
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

To manage and maintain the Collections and implement best practice in relation to curation and preservation of physical and digital records and collections.

To develop a programme to build a fully accessible digital archive, of born-digital accessions and digitised items to support the aims of the John Innes Centre and the John Innes Foundation.

To curate, instigate and deliver annual outreach and engagement events and programmes, including a history of science lecture and “open house” exhibitions, with support of the Communications and Engagement team.

To advise on, develop, implement and maintain policies and procedures, including the appropriate standards, for the effective curation and preservation of physical and digital collections.

Engage existing and new audiences through a range of activities, working in collaboration with the John Innes Centre’s Communications and Engagement team to deliver these activities.

Monitoring and responding to user enquiries and hosting visitors on site at the John Innes Centre’s purpose built archive facility.

To liaise and network with other library staff, internal groups, service providers, external individuals and organisations to promote the Collections and instigate new projects and engagement activities.

To investigate and scope new activities to promote the Collections, including the potential for income generation.

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post. 

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Formal curation or archiving qualification or equivalent experience gained in an archive, library or similar setting.

Essential

Formal qualification or equivalent experience in digital preservation.

Essential

A degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area.

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrable knowledge of physical and digital preservation, with the ability to apply this to meet archival requirements and contribute to solutions.

Essential

Experience of working on research projects and making evaluations, knowing what information to collect, and where to find it and how to disseminate outputs.

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of participating in collaborations with external partners.

Essential

Notable experience as a digital archivist, curator or museum professional.

Essential

Experience hosting, managing and evaluating the impact of open days and engagement activities.

Essential

Experience in a research-intensive environment, organisation or institute.

Desirable

Experience line managing junior staff, volunteers and/or contractors.

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

Essential

Excellent interpersonal, collaborative and relationship building skills.

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills.

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills.

Essential

Contributes to a positive, motivated working environment.

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate.

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute.

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work.

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Communications & Engagement

Living in Norfolk

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Archivist and Collections Engagement Co-ordinator
Salary:            £36,000 – £39,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        Full-time, 5 years.
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 14 May 2025
Reference:     1004893

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Archivist and Collections Engagement Co-ordinator to join the Communications and Engagement Department, to support the cutting-edge science of the John Innes Centre.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

The role:

The JI Collections are comprised of the John Innes Archives (the definitive collection of over 300 years of history relating to the Innes Family, plus Institute and scientific records from 1910 to the present day), and the Special Collections, including the JIF Rare Books (a valuable collection of books dating back to 1511), the History of Genetics Library and the annotated libraries of William Bateson and Cyril Darlington.

As a qualified archivist, the post holder will manage the collections, and lead projects, programmes and activities to enable engagement with and use of the collections by internal and external users. You will also be confident in developing and delivering collaborative engagement and outreach activities related to historic collections and ideally have a keen interest in the history of science.

The post holder will primarily work independently but is embedded in the John Innes Centre’s Communications and Engagement team who will work collaboratively to deliver events and engagement activities. The post holder will have close links to the Norwich Bioscience Institutes Library team. The role will include processing new accessions, managing and updating a digital catalogue and managing existing collections.

The Archive Curator and Outreach Co-ordinator will share insights from the collection with the world and encourage others to access and use them. We envisage that this role will require significant on-site working in Norwich, with options for some hybrid working.

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for someone with the skills and knowledge to proactively manage and develop the Collections, including the introduction of born-digital records relating to the organisation history and ‘life at JIC’ into the archive. This will require new systems to be set up and integrated with teams across the institute and externally to ensure that the Collections are accessible to the public.

The ideal candidate will have a formal qualification or equivalent experience in digital preservation and a formal curation or archiving qualification or equivalent experience gained in an archive, library or similar setting.

They will have demonstrable knowledge of physical and digital preservation, with the ability to apply this to meet archival requirements and contribute to solutions. The ideal candidate will also have experience of working on research projects and making evaluations, knowing what information to collect, and where to find it and how to disseminate outputs.

The ideal candidate will also have notable experience as a digital archivist, curator or museum professional and experience in participating in collaborations with external partners.

Additional information:

We welcome applications from candidates seeking job-share, part-time or other flexible working arrangements.

Interviews will be held on 23 May 2025.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.