Job Description

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.



More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.



Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.



Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.



Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!



This role is an exciting opportunity to create the Institutional Archive for SKAO.


The Role



The Digital Archivist will create the archive including working in a cross-functional team on the procurement and implementation of a digital preservation system. The Digital Archivist will report to the Administration Manager within the Director-General's office.



The Institutional Archive aims to collect, organise, preserve and maintain records, papers, publications, files and other material related to the business activities of SKAO. The main users are expected to include the scientific community, researchers, historians, government stakeholders, the media and individuals interested in the business activities of the SKAO. The Institutional Archive will be 'digital-first' and where material did not begin its life electronically it will be converted to include it in the SKAO Archive. The Institutional Archive will not include observational science data from the SKAO telescopes, or the collection, preservation, or maintenance of astronomical images.

This role is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK and is a two-year fixed term contract.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.



There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.



Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties


Liaise with colleagues across SKAO to collate key assets that have legal, evidential or informational value as detailed in the retention schedule to form the SKAO Institutional Archive. Lead the identification of key requirements for a new digital preservation system. Work collaboratively in a cross-functional team to procure and implement the new digital preservation system, and to integrate it into the existing technical infrastructure. Manage the integrity of the assets, and document the ingest, processing and cataloguing workflows. Support the Information Security and Data Protection Specialist to identify appropriate permissions and access restrictions taking copyright, data protection and business sensitivity into account. Develop in consultation with internal stakeholders, a digital preservation policy and the strategy for the long-term development of the SKAO Institutional Archive. Liaise with colleagues across SKAO to promote the use of the digital archive to engage internal and external stakeholders. Engage with the wider digital preservation community for benchmarking and best practice assessments. Ensure adherence to the International Council for Archives Code of Ethics.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience


A Postgraduate qualification in Archives Administration, or equivalent experience. Demonstrable experience of working with digital archives including digital preservation practices, systems and tools. Experience of writing digital preservation policies and documentation. Excellent written and oral communication skills to inform and engage internal and external stakeholders. Experience of managing multiple strands of activity with tight deadlines. Ability to work effectively on your own Ability to provide timely reports and updates to internal stakeholders. Expertise in archival good practice and standards within the UK archives sector.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience


Familiarity with digital preservation benchmarking tools. Advanced user of digital asset management or document management system. Experience working in an international, multicultural environment. Knowledge of the use of AI in digital preservation.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory's agenda.



Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.



Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.



Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.



SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.



The "How to Apply" information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.