Book conservator

Published: 2022-03-18

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

The University Library provide information resources for research, teaching and learning at the University. The physical and the digital libraries exist in parallel. We develop and make available our collections in new ways, among them through digital publication and digitisation. We want to be an international example in offering study and research environments, both physical and digital. We are about 200 employees and our turnover is approximately 270 million Swedish Crowns. Read more about us here.

The Special Collections Department is in charge of the acquisition, preservation and provision of the library’s cultural heritage materials – that is, manuscripts, sheet music, maps, pictures, rare books and other print collections of particular preservation value. The department’s role also includes arranging exhibits, visits and guided tours.

The library’s extensive collections are internationally known and in demand. They contain everything from medieval to contemporary fine bindings, from utilitarian to deluxe volumes.

To conduct conservation and to support the library’s digitalisation operations within the framework of ongoing internally and externally funded projects, we are now seeking a book conservator.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Duties
Within the framework of this position you will plan, implement and document both active and preventive conservation measures on the library’s materials, focusing primarily on the book collections. You will design and create appropriate protective enclosures, supports and display mounts for materials in storage, transit and exhibition. 

Your knowledge and your enthusiasm will be called upon in connection with the development and improvement of the conservation studio. In collaboration with your colleagues, you will address issues that relate to the active and preventive care of the collections, exhibits and lending.

You will contribute to the dissemination of subject knowledge through social media and internal channels. The position also includes external environment monitoring and conducting in-depth research within your area of responsibility.

Since this position involves the handling of physical materials, heavy lifting may be involved.

Requirements

• A completed Master’s degree from a recognised graduate training program in conservation
• A minimum of five years’ practice in the conservation of historic bindings and library materials
• Demonstrated working knowledge of complex bench treatments of rare books and manuscripts
• A good ability to communicate in both written and spoken English

Considerable weight will be given to personal suitability: You are attentive to detail, organised and responsible, with a well-developed ability to plan, prioritise and carry out high-quality work within given time-frames. The job requires that you are self-motivated and able to cooperate with others. Your oral communication skills are good.

Additional qualifications

• IT skills, e.g., familiarity with the Office suite and software tools for conservation documentation
• Ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment
• A good ability to communicate in both written and spoken Swedish

About the employment
The employment is a permanent position (probationary period may be applied). Scope of employment 100%. Employment to commence as soon as possible or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala. Salary to be determined on an individual basis.

For further information about the position, please contact: Head of Depratment Maria Berggren, [email protected].,se, phone number 018-471 29 17.

Please submit your application by 22 April2022, UFV-PA 2022/752.

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Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Avdelningen för specialsamlingar

Type of employment: Full time , Permanent position

Pay: Individual salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
Fia Wolters, ST 018-4714088
Nadja Duffner-Ylvestedt, Saco 018-4715845

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/752

Last application date: 2022-04-22

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