Job Description
The University of London
The University of London is both the UK’s largest provider of international distance and online learning and the convenor of a federation of 17 renowned higher education institutions. The University is also home to the School of Advanced Study, which has a national role in championing research, teaching and public engagement in the humanities and social sciences. Through its institutes, libraries, special collections and archives, and the University of London Press, it fosters communities of researchers, scholars and practitioners who are change-makers and committed to making a difference in people’s lives.
The School's mission is to be a powerful agent of and for change across disciplines and borders, nurturing research, scholarship, and practice that are innovative, inclusive and impactful. Its vision is of a world where knowledge and understanding, rooted in the humanities and social sciences and enriched by related disciplines, enable people and societies to flourish.
Since 1858, the University of London has expanded access to world-class higher education. Today, around 40,000 students in more than 190 countries are part of our global learning community. Across the wider federation, more than 250,000 learners and 50,000 staff collaborate to deliver high-quality research and education across all disciplines.
By working together across the federation, we extend the benefits of outstanding education, research and resources to learners and researchers across the UK and around the world.
The Role
The Institute of Classical Studies is home to one of the world’s leading research libraries, developed collaboratively with the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies and the Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies.
The Ventris Papers are an archive comprising personal correspondence and papers, drawings, photographs, and other memorabilia, as well as selected offprints and newspaper cuttings relating to the decipherment of Linear B by Michael Ventris. As a unique and valuable collection, the Ventris Archive—and its careful preservation—plays a crucial role in sustaining and advancing the global significance of Hellenic cultural heritage.
This role will be responsible for assessing, conserving, and rehousing the collection, ensuring the preservation of this important resource for the study of early Greek language and history, and facilitating its digitisation. Applicants must have: practical hands-on experience in conservation of library and archival materials; experience of condition assessment; and professional knowledge of conservation and preservation techniques for library materials. Please note that due to the nature of the work the role will be on-site only.
The Project Conservator will work closely with the SAS Senior Conservator, the ICS Librarian, and the Curator.
For a full role profile, please refer to the job description below.
Further Information
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a CV and a covering letter. The covering letter should address why you are interested in this role, clear examples of your relevant skills and experience, and outline what you would bring to the role and to the ICS. Please submit this before the closing date at midnight on 26 July 2026.
If you are interested in pursuing this as a secondment opportunity, you must discuss this with your current line manager before submitting an application.
The University will be unable to sponsor candidates for a visa for this role. Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK for the duration of their employment.
The University of London is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from members of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities as this group is currently under-represented at all levels within the University. All appointments will be made on merit, based on the criteria identified in the job description.
Pursuing excellence in education and equal opportunities.