Details
1091076
University of Edinburgh
17/02/2025
Other - See Job
9 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 Research Assistant (Old College Project). The Old College Project aims to reimagine the displays of artworks at the Old College campus. The majority of these artworks depict principals, professors and other figures associated with the University in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, in the form of oil paintings and marble busts displayed across the rooms on the south side the Old College campus. The project looks to reveal the historical context of the building and these individuals, and to address the lack of diversity within these displays, aiming to represent the histories of the Old College site through new displays, art commissions and interpretations.
Within this role, you will conduct research into the artworks displayed in the Old College campus, consulting both primary and secondary sources, aiming to build a more detailed overview of the displayed pieces. This is an exciting opportunity for a student interested in a career in the heritage sector to gain experience in collections documentation whilst developing their research skills.
You can expect to start work on the 17th February 2025 and work until June 2025. The student can expect to work 9 hours per week in a hybrid working pattern split between working from home, and in the Centre for Research Collections, located on the 6th floor of the Main 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
- Locating information relating to the Old College in both secondary sources (publications and existing reports) and primary sources (the University archives and artworks) and collating the findings into an agreed format;
- Updating artwork files with new information and noting the source material;
- Identifying material in the University Archives about the history of how the artworks were acquired for the collection and the decisions and funding behind these works entering the University’s collections;
- Organising digital and hard copy files relating to the Old College research;
- Assisting with the planning of meetings and room bookings at Old College.
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;
- Proven ability to conduct effective research, such as locating primary and secondary sources relevant to the specified topic;
- Evidence of a detail-oriented approach to work;
- Previous experience of using Microsoft Excel templates.
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Desirable Criteria:
- Existing background in Art History, History or a related subject area;
- Proven knowledge of, and interest in, decolonial and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) related work;
- Background knowledge of the British Empire and colonial histories.
Location
Hybrid, split between working from home and in the Centre for Research Collections, Main 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 between 23rd - 31st 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 13th January 2025. Apply for job