Lead Curator: Modern Archives & Manuscripts (1601 – 1800)

British Library

Location:London Salary:£42,179 per annum Hours:Full Time Contract Type:Permanent Placed On:28th January 2026 Closes:18th February 2026 Location: St Pancras, London

Hours: Full time (36 hours per week)

About the role

The Modern Archives and Manuscripts section is responsible for the Western Manuscript collections 1601-1950, including major holdings of historical, political, literary, theatrical and scientific papers. This permanent Grade A post will manage two permanent curatorial staff and will contribute to the full range of curatorial work on these collections. Major areas of work will include acquisitions, cataloguing and collection management, and contributing to academic and public programmes, including research projects and exhibitions. The post-holder will work across the chronological range of the collections, but with a focus on the 17th and 18th centuries.

We are looking for candidates with substantial experience of working with manuscripts and archives in a professional context, including both cataloguing and collection management and work to promote academic and public access. Good digital skills are essential, including knowledge of relevant standards and digital formats and experience of managing digital projects and/or collections. The ability to work effectively as part of a team and to manage competing demands on your time are also essential.

About us

We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.

What we can offer you

• Access to a defined-benefit Civil Service pension scheme
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time
• 25 days' holiday plus 2.5 privilege days
• Full details of employee benefits can be found on our Careers: Benefits

Things you need to know

• We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role.
• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check (DBS check).
• Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.
• We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse candidates and disabled candidates. Creating an inclusive workplace is the core of our business and a way to engage the diversity of thought that is essential to achieve our aims.

Closing date: 23:59 on 18 February 2026

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.