Job Description

Job title:

Collections Assistant

(INTERNAL ONLY)

Department:

Access & Discovery, Library Services

Contract Type:

Permanent

Grade: 4

Salary:

29,051.19 - 30,929.19 per annum inclusive of London Allowance

Location: Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London

Hours: 35

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Department:

SOAS Library attracts scholars from around the world and has holdings of 1.3 million volumes including an impressive number of print subscriptions in Western and vernacular languages. The Library Access and Discovery team is part of the Library, Learning, Research and Enterprise Directorate. Its role includes providing seamless access to and discovery of SOAS' unique collections to enable learning, teaching and research. The Library is seeking a Collections Assistant to play a key role in the managing these collections.

About the

Role


The role will play a key role in the student and researcher experience by supporting timely and effective access to collections. The role will support the collection management lifecycle for the main collection including acquisitions, receipt, claims, cataloguing, storage, discovery and weeding. You will be able to demonstrate a friendly and professional approach towards users and the capacity to cope with a physically demanding role.

About you

You will have a pleasant and helpful manner when dealing with users. As well as the following:


Demonstrable ability to use and adapt the use of digital devices applications and services. Collaborative and cooperative approach and work effectively in a team. Ability to process purchase orders through the full lifecycle and advise others on budgets. Demonstrated attention to detail including the ability to file accurately and a willingness to learn the complexities of both Archive and Library classification systems. Ability to manoeuvre large trolleys between floors, shelve books overhead height and conduct stock moves. Effective planning, organisational and prioritising skills including ability to respond to changing pressures or requirements.

You must be literate and numerate to the standards of the role with an ability to understand and follow instructions in writing, on video or other formats.


You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

How to Apply:

Professional Services - Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement.

Closing date: 28th September 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Interviews to be held:

13th October 2025

Further information


If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact HR Contact Form | SOAS


'Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006'. for the duration of their contract


For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.