Archivist and Photographic Curator
Full-time. Salary £35,940
Closing date for applications: 16th June 2025
Job Description
The Royal Anthropological Institute seeks to make a full-time appointment of an Archivist and Curator, who will be responsible for the RAI’s extensive collections of manuscripts, institutional archives, and photographs. The successful candidate will be able to develop an oversight into the multiple collections in the care of the RAI and make further efforts to expand their extent, use and availability so as to enhance their value to researchers.
While desirable, it is not necessary that the successful candidate will have studied anthropology, but they will be committed to the goal of the Institute to promote the discipline. The various responsibilities of the postholder include: to oversee the care and physical curation of the Institute’s collections (both on-site and in storage); to familiarise themselves with and undertake cataloguing work on the RAI’s archives and collections; to answer queries and welcome researchers who wish to consult the RAI’s archives and collections; to provide scans of the RAI material suitable for reproduction; to build on the already-extensive historical database of Fellows and related historical information about the Institute; to assist in the development and implementation of digitisation and digital archiving strategies; to oversee and contribute to small temporary photographic exhibitions at the RAI and online, and, on occasion, assist RAI staff with archive/collection based research. The successful candidate will be encouraged to identify and apply for external funds to enhance and promote the archives and collections. Applicants must have the right to reside and work in the UK.
Further particulars
The Royal Anthropological Institute is one of the world’s foremost independent institutions devoted to anthropology. It was founded in its modern form in 1871, becoming ‘Royal’ in 1907, and receiving its Charter in 2020. It has today some 1,850 Fellows and Members, based in the UK and overseas. It employs approximately 16 staff, and has its own building in Fitzroy Street in central London. Its diverse activities include seminars, conferences, and publishing. Many of these activities are supported by specialist committees made up of the RAI’s Fellows. The successful candidate will act as secretary to the RAI’s Photo Committee, and to its Manuscripts and Archives Committee, which meet approximately twice a year respectively.
The RAI’s archives are rich and complex, with occasional new acquisitions in all areas. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a close knowledge of these holdings, and develop further projects as opportunity may offer.
Further information about the RAI’s archives, manuscripts and photographic holdings may be found on our website www.therai.org.uk.
This post is not suitable for remote working, and it is assumed that the successful candidate will be willing and able to work at the RAI offices in Fitzroy Street. However, one day a week is permitted as work from home should that be desired.
Person specification
| PERSON SPECIFICATION | Essential | Desirable | |
| Post name: | Archivist and Photographic Curator | ||
| Knowledge & experience | |||
| An undergraduate or post-graduate degree or its equivalent in a relevant field | * | ||
| An undergraduate or post-graduate degree in anthropology | * | ||
| Proven technical and professional information management skills, experience of working with digital archive catalogues and of handling fragile archival materials, awareness of understanding of archive cataloguing standards, confident user of IT software, including image editing software. | * | ||
| An understanding of working with historical material, and contemporary sensitivities associated with this. | * | ||
| A demonstrable interest and openness to developing projects encompassing a wide spectrum, including (but not confined to) manuscript and photographic material. | * | ||
| An interest in the public-facing role of anthropology nationally and internationally. | * | ||
| In general, an active interest in supporting the RAI’s charitable objectives | * | ||
| Communication | Excellent command of English, written and oral | * | |
| Excellent interpersonal and communication skills | * | ||
| Ability and willingness to work at the RAI’s offices in Fitzroy Street (and occasionally outside meetings as may be necessary) | * | ||
| Ability to work as part of a small team | * | ||
| Decision making | Willingness to make decisions during the course of the daily work, whilst consulting appropriately with the Director and other colleagues where necessary. | * | |
| General | Permission to reside and to work in the United Kingdom | * | |
Salary
The salary will be £35940 full-time plus 10% pension, permanent after probationary period, inclusive of London Allowance.
The closing date for applications is 16th June 2025. Applications should consist of a cover letter and a full CV. Please also indicate the names of two referees, and whether they may be approached at the interview stage.
It is anticipated that a first round of interviews, held remotely, will take place week beginning 1st July, with face to face interviews for the final short list the following week.
The starting date for the position will be by arrangement with the successful candidate.
Applications Close 16th June 2025
Please send your applications to admin@therai.org.uk by 23.59pm on the 16th of June
