Cataloguing Assistant

About the role

Do you have a qualification and/or experience in art history? Do you have a passion for research with excellent attention to detail? If so, we have a wonderful opportunity to join our team.

You will support the cataloguing of works on paper by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, developing a detailed knowledge of the drawings, prints and other works on paper held in the collection. You’ll help to fully document these works, whilst helping to make them available to a wider audience, facilitating their digitisation, and discovering new information.

You’ll already have some research experience which can come from any background. However, you will be keen to develop your skills and knowledge of works on paper collections. You will be highly organised, proactive in approach and a clear communicator. You will enjoy being part of a team, as well as having the opportunity to work independently.    

You will also help us work towards our move to The Art Works. This exciting and transformative initiative will deliver a sustainable new facility in Granton to care for, research and share Scotland’s renowned art collection.


The difference you’ll make:

Reporting to the Senior Librarian, Modern and Contemporary Art your responsibilities will include:

- Cataloguing of the Works on Paper collections, specifically previously uncatalogued works by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. Facilitating digitisation of collection objects, when required.
- Facilitating access to the collections in our public study spaces, for individual researchers and group visits.
- Ensuring a high standard of care, access and security for the works in the collections.
- Retrieval and re-shelving of material as required.
- Answering enquiries from the public, in person, by phone and email, using a range of print and online resources, with responsibility for managing the relevant email inboxes.
- Assisting with the physical management of collections and collection audit activity. Undertaking specific house-keeping tasks, as required, including best practice in the handling and preservation of collections.
- Assisting Print Room, Archive and Library staff in collection readiness for The Art Works.


Who we are looking for

To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:

- A qualification in art history or demonstrable knowledge of a subject area relevant to our collections.
- Some experience of working in a research environment (library, archive or print room).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience of dealing positively and effectively with visitor enquiries.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including an ability to prioritise effectively and work accurately without close supervision.
- Demonstrate a commitment to supporting ambitious equality, diversity and inclusion priorities.
- Proven IT skills including MS 365.


It would also be great if you have:

- A particular interest in works on paper and/or the work of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.
- Practical experience of object handling in a museum/gallery context.
- Some knowledge of printmaking techniques.


To apply, please visit our careers page.

The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Thursday, 01 August 2024.

Museum Website: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/careers