European Molecular Biology Laboratory Archivist

European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Heidelberg, Germany

Location: Heidelberg, Germany 
Staff Category: Staff Member 
Contract Duration: 3 years 
Grading: Commensurate with experience and qualifications 
Closing Date: 30 April 2014 
Reference Number: HD_00476

Job Description

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany), with additional sites in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy). 

EMBL would like to establish an archive to preserve its history, scientific accomplishment and role and ranking in the international life sciences community. The five EMBL sites possess relevant material relating to their individual history which needs to be collated. The EMBL Archivist will work closely with representatives of all five sites, as well as departments that will either be major providers (of information or infrastructure) and/or users of the archival resource(s). EMBL alumni also hold relevant historical material, and will be included as important stakeholders in the construction of the archive through close collaboration with the EMBL Alumni Relations office. 

The EMBL Archivist will be responsible for establishing the EMBL archive according to best practice as well as the culture of EMBL, and in dialogue and collaboration with established international science archives. The Archivist will report to the EMBL Directorate. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement archive policies and procedures in line with professional best practice and the culture of EMBL in collaboration with EMBL records management;
• Liaise with donors and depositors of archives, both internal and external to the organization;
• Identify and facilitate the transfer of material to the new archive in both analogue and digital formats;
• Process archive material systematically and in accordance with professional standards;
• Raise awareness for the importance and context of EMBL history.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must be able to demonstrate recent experience in managing archival collections, making these collections accessible, and must be able to take on the duties and responsibilities described above in a self-directed fashion with minimal supervision. 

The following qualifications and skills are required:

• Master in Archives & Records Management from an accredited institution or other relevant advanced degree or experience;
• At least 2 years managerial experience in an archives setting, preferably in a natural sciences environment;
• Experience of working with contemporary and modern records or archives;
• Excellent project management skills with experience managing complex relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels internally and externally;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Command of German or French would be an advantage.

Application Instructions

Please apply online through www.embl.org/jobs, sending your application in English. 
General inquiries may be sent to recruitment@embl.org.

Additional Information

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organization. Due to the special status of EMBL as an intergovernmental organization, the candidate will not require a working visa. Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.