Archivist and Engagement Officer - Operations - Public Engagement and Archive - LMB 2325

View Vacancy -- Archivist and Engagement Officer - Operations - Public Engagement and Archive - LMB 2325
Open Date
15/01/2024, 09:15
Close Date
12/02/2024, 23:55
Research Institute 1  
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum salary criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK.  At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.  You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y
Research Institute / Unit Information 1  

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org
Band 1  
MRC - 4
Location 1  
Cambridge
Salary 1  
£34,905 - £38,055 per annum
Contract Type 1  
Permanent
Job Type 1  
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time / Part Time 1  
Full or Part Time options
Job Description 1  

Overall Purpose:

•    To maintain and develop the LMB Archive to provide information and resources about the LMB, its history, science and scientists, for internal and external users. 
•    To support Public Engagement and Communication activities to promote the LMB and its science. 
•    To manage LMB Alumni records and Alumni engagement, acting as the key contact for Alumni communications and helping to deliver Alumni events.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

Archive Management

•    To ensure the correct storage and handling of the Archive’s diverse selection of physical and electronic resources, sorting, cataloguing, and filing these materials in an ordered, structured way to assist retrieval and dissemination of information. This includes manuscripts, publications, photographs, newspaper articles, recordings, models, and artefacts.
•    To source and evaluate new resources and identify and fill gaps in the collection. This includes developing and maintaining an accessible archive of LMB photographs and recordings.
•    To generate new material to promote the LMB and its science, including recordings, photographs and publications. 
•    To provide materials and ideas for the LMB website and, through the website, maintain access to information, online catalogues, searchable databases and associated electronic resources, and to develop other access strategies. 
•    To answer enquiries from members of the LMB, the MRC, UKRI and external users on aspects of the LMB’s history, its scientists and science and, where necessary, undertake research to provide accurate information for exhibitions and publications.
•    To assist scientists in archiving their physical and electronic material and facilitate the deposit of key collections in suitable archive repositories, producing guidance on the type of material to be archived, and maintaining good links with other archives.
•    To provide and maintain material using best practices and in accordance with relevant legislation, including the Copyright Act, Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act and advising others on the relevant legislation.
•    To create and maintain an archive policy and terms and conditions of use for key resources. 
•    To assess risks to the collection from changes in practice, especially in the growth of non-traditional resources such as electronic only and born digital material.
•    To work with the Engagement and External Communications Manager to monitor archive expenditure and provision of key purchases.

Public Engagement and Communication

•    To assist with promotion of the LMB through public events and displays including helping to organise major events, welcoming visitors and assisting with requests for filming at the LMB.
•    To lead the programme and setting-up of multiple displays each year for the publicly accessible LMB Exhibition Room to showcase different aspects of the LMB, past and present. Content includes physical objects from the Archive and present day, photographs, and video material.
•    To generate text, news stories and source images for the website. Where appropriate, dealing with media requests and other enquiries, liaising with UKRI Press Office and other stakeholders in the production and release of information, adhering to confidentiality, embargoes and other restrictions as necessary.

Alumni Engagement

•    To liaise with LMB Alumni and keep accurate records of past members to ensure up-to-date information on next destinations and geographical spread of alumni as needed for Quinquennial Reviews and other corporate reporting. 
•    To coordinate Alumni engagement, acting as a key contact for Alumni, including production of an annual Alumni newsletter.
•    To support the planning and delivery of alumni engagement events such as memorial symposia. 
•    To encourage the donation of material to the Archive from members of the LMB and Alumni.

Additional Responsibilities

•    To monitor use of the Archive and its involvement in public engagement activities and provide data for Quinquennial Reviews.
•    To work on special projects such as capturing and publishing (online or in print) LMB memories from current and past members of the LMB.
•    To provide expert advice on archive provision and management across UKRI, and to input into relevant policies.
•    To develop relationships and cooperate with other appropriate archives, such as Churchill Archive Centre, Addenbrooke’s Hospital Archive, the Local Studies Library and the EMBO Archive, in particular those that have the personal archive of key LMB scientists.
•    To represent the Archive and give presentations at external events, where appropriate, such as Royal Society Archive Workshop and British Library Digital Lives Workshop.

Working relationships: 

•    You will report to the Engagement and External Communications Manager, and directly to the LMB Director on special projects.  
•    You will work as part of the LMB Public Engagement, News and Website Teams. 
•    You will develop good relationships with all internal and external archive users and the LMB VisLab Department.  
•    You will supervise one part-time Archive Assistant.
•    This is a hands-on role and involves interactions with internal staff and external users.

Person Specification 1  

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Essential: Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.

Desirable: Degree or post-graduate degree in Information and Library Services, Archive Management or Records Management or other relevant subjects.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential: 
•    Experience of working in a library or archive.
•    Experience of writing/communicating science and/or historical material to different target audiences.

Desirable: 
•    Experience of managing a public exhibition programme.
•    Experience of supporting the planning and delivery of events. 
•    Experience of creating newsletters.
•    Experience of engaging with alumni.
•    Experience of working with academics and researchers.

Knowledge and experience: 

Essential: 
•    Computer skills: experience in Information and Communication Technology skills, especially database management, Microsoft Office or equivalent and the Internet.
•    Familiarity with academic libraries and library searching tools.
•    Knowledge of archive storage and use best practices. 
•    Knowledge of relevant legislation that affects the collection and use of data, especially the Copyright Act, Data Protection Act/GDPR and Freedom of Information Act.

Desirable: 
•    Knowledge of best practice in managing electronic and born digital archive materials.
•    Sufficient scientific knowledge or understanding to translate complex science into general language accurately and quickly.
•    Experience of conducting interviews and helping to produce the final content (edited transcript, summary and/or film).
•    Knowledge of the LMB, its mission and research.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

•    Communication skills: excellent oral and written communication skills.
•    Time management: ability to prioritise work and answer end users’ queries in a timely manner.
•    Ability to accurately capture fine details and ensure consistency of data.
•    Information literacy: experience with dealing with print and electronic formats.
•    A proven ability to work without supervision.
•    Ability to work well within a team and to use initiative when required. 
•    Line management experience.
•    A keen interest in libraries or modern archives/record management.

Further Information 1  

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI: 
•    Code of Conduct
•    Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
•    Health and Safety policy
•    Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal.  Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.  All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.  

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

For this role we are looking for someone full or part-time (minimum 28.8 hours). 

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.  The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.