Senior Heritage Scientist Research Infrastructure and Access

Senior Heritage Scientist Research Infrastructure and Access

The National Archives’ Collection Care Department is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Heritage Scientist to play a central role in advancing our research capacity and enhancing access to heritage science facilities for the study of the UK’s written heritage. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an ambitious and growing heritage science programme within one of the world’s most significant archival institutions.

Written heritage collections span over a millennium and encompass an extraordinary variety of materials, including paper, parchment, photographs, prints, wax seals, films and documents executed in a wide range of historical and modern media. As Senior Heritage Scientist, you will apply advanced analytical, imaging and research skills to deepen our understanding of these materials and support their long term preservation.

Working closely with the Head of Heritage Science and Conservation Research, you will help expand our external partnerships, develop collaborative research initiatives on various collections across the UK, and strengthen The National Archives’ role as an international centre of excellence for heritage science. You will lead and support research projects from conception through delivery, working with colleagues across Collection Care and the wider organisation, as well as national and international partners.

You will take an active role in enhancing our scientific infrastructure, ensuring the effective use of analytical instrumentation within the laboratory, and building research capacity through mentoring and supporting others. You will communicate your findings to diverse audiences, from internal teams to the international professional community, through publications, presentations, workshops and sector engagement.

We are looking for a scientist with strong analytical expertise, excellent problem solving abilities and a passion for the care of written heritage. You will bring substantial experience with non-destructive analytical methods, research design and delivery, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Your creativity, technical insight and commitment to innovation will directly support the preservation of our nation’s documentary heritage for generations to come.

This is a Fixed Term Appointment for 5 years.

This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department.

This role is based mostly onsite with some scope for remote working.

For full details and to apply, please click the link following 'Museum Website' below.