Full-Time, Fixed-Term (2 years)
Are you passionate about women's history, archives, and uncovering untold stories? Join us in a unique opportunity to work with one of the UK’s most significant educational collections — the archives of Bedford College.
Founded in 1849 by the trailblazing Elizabeth Jesser Reid, Bedford College was the first higher education institution in the UK established specifically for the education of women. The College played a transformative role in offering women access to a liberal education in an era when such opportunities were rare. Following its merger with Royal Holloway College in 1985, Bedford College left behind a rich and inspiring legacy — now preserved in its extensive archive.
We are seeking an experienced Project Archivist to lead and support an exciting range of initiatives centred around this pioneering collection. Highlights of the role include:
Coordinating a volunteer transcription project to digitise and transcribe the correspondence of Elizabeth Jesser Reid.
Delivering an oral history project capturing memories from former Bedford College students and staff.
Curating an online exhibition to showcase hidden gems and promote the global and inclusive history of the College.
Working with academics and the Bedford Society to promote the collection and explore future collaborations.
In addition to project work, the role involves supporting day-to-day archive operations including supervising the reading room, responding to enquiries, and contributing to teaching and public engagement activities. You will also play a key role in shaping the future of the service by engaging in discussions around digitisation and digital access.
About You
We’re looking for a qualified and experienced archivist with a passion for women's history, strong project coordination skills, and a creative approach to outreach and engagement. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy bringing historical collections to life, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a vibrant, supportive team working in an institution that values heritage, storytelling, and inclusivity. This is a rare chance to help uncover and share the stories of women who changed the face of education in the UK and beyond.
In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:
Generous annual leave entitlement
Training and Development opportunities
Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
Free parking
The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.
For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk
Please quote the reference: 0625-128
Closing Date: 23:59, 1 September 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
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