Collections Management Assistant

Please note this vacancy is only open to current contracted University of Glasgow employees.

Job Purpose

Provide an effective service, working on the delivery of the day-to-day operations of the Hunterian Collections Study Centre in Kelvin Hall, including location and delivery of objects to search rooms and labs; supervision of research and object-based teaching activities; re location of objects within collections stores; quarantine objects entering Kelvin Hall. Operate as fire warden within the Study Centre.

Assist with Hunterian collections management activities on and off campus including collection moves, exhibition installations and loans.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To assist the Collections Manager with all day-to-day collections management operations.
• To provide access to collections in line with strategic goals, including the invigilation of collections-based research and the facilitation of collections-based teaching in the Hunterian Collections Study Centre. Working to remove barriers to access for all users, with a focus on expanding physical and digital access to collections for stakeholder communities.
• To locate and move the Hunterian's collections in accordance with best practice in collections care and health and safety; including collection moves from off site storage and the unpacking and quarantine of collection items entering Kelvin Hall.
• To ensure documentation of all collection activity is accurately recorded on Emu, including but not limited to location updates, images and condition notes.
• To work with the wider Hunterian Collections Management and Curatorial teams in delivering all aspects of the Hunterian Collections Study Centre functions as appropriate.
• To assist in the identification, monitoring and recording of environmental and conservation issues relating to the collections.
• To assist with collection moves and exhibition installations on and off campus, including couriering national and international loans as required.
• To act as fire warden in The Hunterian Collections Study Centre at Kelvin Hall.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential

• A1 Either Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 5 or 6 (National 5 or 6, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 2 or 3), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training) and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s). Or, ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles.
• A2 Authoritative and practical understanding of current best practice in collections management and care in large multi-disciplinary museums.

Desirable

• B1 A post graduate qualification in museum, library, archive, information management/studies.
• B2 Demonstrable continuing engagement with development of current professional practice.
• B3 Fundamental understanding of wider museum practices and collections work.
• B4 First Aid qualification or ability to obtain this following training.
• B5 Full driving licence with ability to transport museum collections.

Skills Essential

• C1 Ability not only to plan and prioritise own work activities but to react to changing issues/priorities as required.
• C2 Ability to work effectively and flexibly independently and as part of a team, engaging effectively multiple stakeholders and multi-disciplinary teams across the organisation.
• C3 Significant demonstrable people skills to support and direct visitors and users of the Hunterian Collections Study Centre.
• C4 Good level of IT competence, in particular familiarity with museum collections databases.
• C5 Good communication skills, both written and interpersonal, with some experience of building relationships with a wide variety of relevant stakeholders and the ability to communicate technical information to a variety of needs.
• C6 Ability to handle museum and gallery collections safely, assessing risk and making decisions accordingly.
• C7 Ability to work effectively, maintain professionalism and react calmly when dealing with day-to-day problems and/or pressurised situations.
• C8 Ability to perform fire warden duties following training.

Desirable

• D1 Demonstrable skills in field of collections management systems.

Experience Essential

• E1 Practical experience in a similar role.

Desirable

• F1 Experience of working with collections management systems at more than one institution.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 4, £25,804 - £27,319 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for up to 6 months.

Please Note: The University would consider a secondment opportunity for this post. Applicants should seek clearance for release for secondment from their line manager before making a formal application.

Closing date: 20 July 2026

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
• An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook , benefits and discount packages.
• A flexible approach to working.
• A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.