"Librarian"

The Library of the Scott Polar Research Institute is one of the most comprehensive collections of published polar information in the world. This highly specialist reference collection, which attracts scholarly visitors from around the world, contains both contemporary polar books, serials, pamphlets, maps and other media and a large number of historic volumes of major significance. In addition, the Archive of the Institute is the repository for the vast bulk of documentary and other material relating to British exploration of the polar regions. The range of material reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the subject and the extensive research and teaching conducted by the Institute's staff, in which the collections play an essential part. The collection is of clear international significance.

The Librarian is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Institute's Senior Library Assistant, Archivist and IT Specialist, and leads and manages the day-to-day operation and development of the Institute's Library and Archive in support of the Institute's commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, research and outreach, and in furtherance of its strategic priorities. The Librarian has primary responsibility for selecting, acquiring, organising and managing the Institute's Library collections, administering the varied specialist holdings on the polar regions and promoting them to the scholarly community worldwide, and for developing, together with the Institute Director, the Library's medium-term strategy.

Applicants should have significant experience of working in an academic or research library environment and proven expertise in the use of IT in a library context, including cataloguing to RDA and MARC21 standards and experience of using Alma or an equivalent library management system (LMS). Experience of financial management, staff supervision and development, excellent communication skills, proven prioritisation and time management skills, together with negotiation and influencing skills are essential. Knowledge of key issues affecting library and information services is also required. Prior experience of fundraising is desirable.

Interviews will take place in early January 2026. The expected start date for the post will be in May 2026.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Informal enquiries may be made to the Institute Administrator, cw756@cam.ac.uk or telephone 01223 336541

Please quote reference LD47463 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Department/Location: Scott Polar Research Institute

Salary: £42,254-£56,535

Reference: LD47463

Category: Academic-related

Date published: 24 November 2025

Closing date: 8 December 2025