Details
1090500
University of Edinburgh
03/02/2025
Other - See Job
7 hours per week
Not Applicable
Pay
£13.94
£2.52
Description
Role
The University of Edinburgh is currently offering a part-time opportunity for a student to join the Heritage Collections Team as a Heritage Collections Alumni Archive Enquiry Assistant. The Heritage Collections teams preserve, provide access to, and interpret the heritage collections looked after by the University, which include rare books, archives, artworks, musical instruments, and sound recordings. This post is based within the Research Services team, who deliver front-line access services, including Reading Rooms, Virtual Reading Rooms, and Enquiries services. Within this role, you will conduct research and build knowledge of the University’s archives, to support the Alumni Enquiry service by answering research enquiries relating to alumni archives and student records.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to gain experience in conducting research into University archives, and compiling the findings into clear written communications to the customers of a high-demand service.
You can expect to start work on the 3rd February 2025 and work until 31st July 2025. The student can expect to work 7 hours per week on-campus, in the Centre for Research Collections, Main University Library. During this position you will be paid £13.94 per hour, plus £2.52 per hour holiday pay. Payment is one month in arrears, meaning your first payment date (should this position start when expected) will be 28th March 2025.
Duties and responsibilities
- Developing comprehensive knowledge of the University’s alumni archives, genealogical research resources, and the historical background of the University;
- Using the archive and library catalogues to navigate the collections, and locate items from within the archive;
- Undertaking research into historical alumni using a variety of resources, in response to enquiries from internal and external users;
- Using the enquiry management system to write up research, and communicate it to users in a clear and comprehensible style;
- Sharing your experience with the Research Services team and wider department, through writing and recording a short presentation for the Heritage Collections all-staff team meeting.
Skills and experience
Essential criteria:
- A current University of Edinburgh student (this post is designated for UoE student employment; therefore, you must be a matriculated student for the duration of your employment). You also must not hold the position of ‘Resident Assistant’;
- Based in the UK for the duration of the work, able to work on campus when required (we cannot accommodate individuals working overseas due to tax and legal implications), and able to attend a Right to Work Check in person if needed;
- Evidence of excellent research skills;
- Proven strong written communication skills;
- Evidence of a methodical working style, with an excellent attention to detail;
- Proven ability to work independently and complete a project to a set deadline;
- Capable of fulfilling the physical demands of the role, such as moving large books and using trolleys to transport them.
Desirable Criteria:
- Proven interest in the University’s cultural and heritage collections;
- Previous experience of using library or archive cataloguing systems to locate items;
- Demonstrable knowledge of enquiry management systems, particularly Unidesk.
Location
Centre for Research Collections, Main University Library
Benefits
- Being part of a welcoming community of over 150 ISG Student Workers with opportunities to network, whilst working in a supportive and nurturing environment with a strong emphasis on work/life balance;
- Pay rate and holiday entitlement equivalent to that of UE04 permanent staff, access to NEST pension scheme if applicable;
- As a staff member, you can join the University's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Groups (Staff Networks);
- Access to a range of excellent staff training content and resources from the Digital Skills Team.
Additional information
To apply for this role, please upload a CV and covering letter, clearly stating how you meet the criteria for the role. Please ensure you've read the top bullet points in the criteria: you must be a University of Edinburgh Student, and you must not hold the position of 'Resident Assistant' (Res Life) during your employment. If you encounter any issues when applying, please e-mail unitemps@ed.ac.uk well in advance of the deadline, as we will only respond within office hours (9-5, Monday to Friday). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
We recommend reading our short application tips document for guidance on creating a strong cover letter and CV.
Interviews will take place on the 21st January 2025.
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 do not 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: This advert may close early if sufficient applications are received prior to the closing date which is 23:59pm on the 5th January 2025. Apply for job