Biomedical Archives & Digital Collections Archivist

Job Summary

LAC Federal is seeking a skilled Archivist / Archival Collections Specialist to support a federal library in Bethesda, Maryland. The Archivist will support the preservation, arrangement, description, digitization, and access of historical and biomedical archival collections in one of the world’s premier medical research libraries. This position will support archival processing projects, metadata creation, reference and research services, digital initiatives, and collections management activities involving manuscripts, photographs, institutional records, audiovisual materials, and rare historical collections.

The ideal candidate will possess strong archival processing and descriptive expertise, experience working in research or special collections environments, and familiarity with archival standards and digitization workflows within a federal or academic setting.

• Arrange, describe, and process archival and manuscript collections in accordance with professional archival standards and local procedures.
• Create and maintain archival finding aids, metadata records, and collection documentation using archival content management systems and databases.
• Apply archival standards including DACS, EAD, MARC
  21, Dublin Core, and controlled vocabularies to support discovery and access.
• Perform accessioning, rehousing, labeling, inventory control, and collections maintenance activities for archival and special collections materials.
• Support digitization initiatives by preparing materials for scanning, conducting quality review, and creating or validating metadata for digital assets.
• Conduct preservation assessments and recommend appropriate housing, handling, and stabilization procedures for archival materials.
• Assist researchers, librarians, curators, and program staff with archival reference and research requests.
• Conduct collection surveys and assist with backlog reduction and remediation projects.
• Utilize integrated library systems, archival management systems, and digital repositories to manage and update collection information.
• Prepare reports, statistics, and project documentation related to archival processing, digitization, and collections activities.
• Assist with exhibitions, outreach activities, instructional sessions, and stakeholder engagement related to archival collections.
• Adhere to federal records handling, information security, and preservation procedures while working with sensitive or historically significant collections.

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA‑accredited institution with coursework or specialization in archives management, archival studies, or special collections; OR Master’s degree in History, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, Public History, or a related discipline with demonstrated archival training.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional archival processing, description, or special collections experience in a library, archives, museum, academic, or federal environment.
• Demonstrated experience arranging and describing archival collections using DACS and EAD standards.
• Experience creating archival metadata and collection records using archival management systems or integrated library systems.
• Knowledge of archival preservation principles, collections care practices, and proper handling procedures for rare and fragile materials.
• Experience supporting digitization projects and digital collections workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare clear documentation and communicate with researchers and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and standard archival or library technologies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge.

• Certified Archivist (CA) credential from the Academy of Certified Archivists.
• Experience working with biomedical, scientific, medical, or federal government collections.
• Experience using Archives Space, Alma, Archivematica, Preservica, CONTENTdm, or other archival and digital repository…