Job Description

Salary

34,782 per annum

Location

Edinburgh

This is a temporary

,

full time vacancy that will close in 11 days at 23:59 BST.

The Vacancy

Full time and fixed term until 31 March 2026.

We're looking for an Assistant Conservator to join our Collections Care team for an exciting fixed term project focused on the Bartholomew Reference Collection. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for someone starting their conservation career. Working within our Collections Management department in Edinburgh, you'll play a vital role in supporting the Library's strategic goal to preserve our collections and make it accessible.


As Assistant Conservator, you'll work closely with other Conservators and collaborate with Library staff across departments to ensure this nationally significant collection is maintained and cared for.



What we are looking for -



We're seeking someone with a degree or post-graduate qualification in conservation (or equivalent experience), along with some knowledge of conservation surveys and treatments on paper-based items and bound volumes. You'll need excellent communication skills, strong ICT literacy, and the ability to work independently while monitoring progress against agreed targets. Some experience in a conservation role within an archive, library, or similar organisation would be beneficial.



What we can offer you -



If you are successful, you will be working for one of Scotland's premier cultural institutions, a library that holds the nation's memory in its vast collections. You'll have the opportunity to work flexibly, where the service allows, and we'll provide you with training and development opportunities. We have generous annual leave and offer a pension scheme. And of course, you'll join a team of great colleagues.



We encourage applications from people who belong to marginalised communities particularly people of colour, those from a working-class background, disabled and LGBTQ+ people.



You can contact Tatiana Marasco (t.marasco@nls.uk) if you have any questions about the post. The full job description can be found at the bottom of this page.



The closing date for applications is 21 July, 2025. Interviews will be held in the week commencing 28 July 2025. we would like the successful candidate to be in post early September 2025.

The National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland preserves the memory of the nation with collections that span the centuries, from the earliest times to the digital age. Our collections document the influence of Scots at home and abroad, while reflecting the ideas and cultures of the world. They cover all aspects of human endeavour in multiple formats, including books, manuscripts, archives, websites, maps, music, moving image and sound.



We support education, research, business and innovation and our work enhances the reputation of Scotland as a country with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant future. We are committed to providing easy access to our physical and digital collections and delivering services that are open and available to all. It is a place for inspiration, exploration and enjoyment, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.



There are around 320 of us working at the Library who all contribute in different ways, whether welcoming our visitors, planning our events and exhibitions, developing and caring for our collections or looking after our buildings and people.

The Benefits

Flexible Working

Family Friendly

Civil Service Pension Scheme

Health and Wellbeing

Discounts and Free Entry

Generous Annual Leave