This a fixed term post is available from September 2026 for 8 months full-time or 10 months on a 0.8FTE basis.
Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
The role
Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Archivist and Special Collections Manager, the Archive Project Cataloguer will work as part of the Special Collections team to make the Professor Sir Peter Hall Papers, consisting of the research materials and output of the urban planner and geographer Professor Sir Peter Hall, accessible and discoverable. They will arrange the archive material and catalogue it using Epexio cataloguing software, assisted by an AI tool developed for the collection.
About the team
Special Collections and Archives sit within the Content and Collections area of the Directorate of Learning Resources. We are a team of three permanent staff and work closely with other Learning Resources staff, as well those in the wider University. We are an accredited archive service with the mission to curate unique collections for teaching and research. The team works to acquire, preserve and make accessible the collections under our care.
What will I be doing?
● Appraise, sort and arrange the archive material which forms the Professor Sir Peter Hall Papers.
● Catalogue material in the Professors Sir Peter Hall Papers to ISAD(G) standard and in-house cataloguing guidelines.
● Utilise the AI tool developed for the collection to aid with description and discovery of the material.
● Manage and prioritise tasks to ensure that the project is completed on time.
● Assess the archive for third party confidential data, identifying relevant risks, and making recommendations relating to access.
● Respond to enquiries relating to the content of the collection and access to it.
What skills do I need?
● Postgraduate qualification recognised by the Archives and Records Association or equivalent experience.
● Experience of using collections management systems.
● Experience of cataloguing to archival standards e.g. ISAD(G).
● Attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy.
● Able to demonstrate understanding of the application of AI tools in the context of cataloguing and/or content discovery.
● Able to set own goals, prioritise tasks, secure resources and involve others effectively.
About the location
Based at our Headington campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and purpose built Special Collections reading room and store, located in the basement of the John Henry Brookes Building. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. As this role is focussed on a physical archive collection, it is based on-campus with occasional opportunities for remote working as agreed with the line manager.
For further information or to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Annabel Valentine avalentine@brookes.ac.uk
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday (pro rata per annum), rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year).
We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the well-being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team
In addition, all employees have access to:
● Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
● Brookes on-site Nursery.
● Discounted travel options
● TOTUM card discount scheme
● Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
● Training and development opportunities
● Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete our online application form by clicking the Apply for Job button below. Within the supporting documents section, you will need to upload:
● Your current CV.
● A supporting statement providing clear evidence of how your experience meets both the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.
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