As the living, growing home of our national story, The National Archives is already a special place to work. We’re an institution nearly 200 years old with a collection spanning 1,000 years of history. But it’s where we go next that makes things really interesting. In our strategic vision: Archives for Everyone, we set ourselves the challenge of becoming the 21st Century national archive - a different kind of cultural and heritage institution: Inclusive, Entrepreneurial, Disruptive. We won’t become this overnight. It will take time, focus, effort and daring. That’s where you come in. Because we can’t do this without you. Job Overview Salary: £ 38,322 - £44,722 per annum Contract type: fixed-term appointment for 1 year Band: F / SEO Closing date: Thursday 24th April at midnight Join the Team Shaping the Future of Heritage Science Data The National Archives (TNA) is excited to support the creation of the Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) under the UKRI RICHeS programme, a groundbreaking UK-wide digital research service that will unite heritage science and conservation research data for the very first time. This ambitious initiative will revolutionize the understanding, preservation, and management of the UK’s rich heritage. The project is led by the University of York, with a consortium of heritage partners from England, Scotland, and Wales. The goal of this initiative is to make valuable expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and essential data more accessible to professionals across the heritage sector through the ResearchSpace knowledge system, an open web data management platform, ensuring that research outputs and data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable for the entire heritage community. As Senior Specialist in Digital Humanities for Heritage Science Conservation Research (HSRC) you will be a vital member of a dynamic team of conservation and heritage science professionals in TNA’s Collection Care Department. Your role will be key to the development of the HSDS, working with a knowledge base system that uses Semantic Linked Data and the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model to capture conservation practices and heritage science research. This cutting-edge system will feed regular data into the HSDS. Your Responsibilities Will Include: - Defining and structuring Heritage Science and Conservation Research data - Participating in shaping the design and functionality of the HSDS - Completing the development of ResearchSpace and its integration with the HSDS - Actively supporting the creation and management of heritage science data in the Collection Care knowledge base system You will collaborate closely with the Head of Conservation and Treatment Development and the Head of Heritage Science Conservation Research, leading as needed. Your expertise will be crucial in driving forward data collection, knowledge sharing, and planning to ensure that CCD’s heritage science data is effectively represented in ResearchSpace and the HSDS. This will also involve understanding and contributing to the operation and design of the CCD knowledge base system and transferring legacy scientific data. This exciting opportunity is a full-time, fixed-term contract for one year. However, requests for flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time. Be part of this groundbreaking project that will set the stage for the future of heritage science data How to apply: To submit your application please click the 'Apply' button on this page. You will be asked to upload your CV and write a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words. In your personal statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section. Please note: anonymised recruitment is standard for roles across the Civil Service. However, due to the nature of this role and the information required in the selection process, please disregard any requests to anonymise your application. We understand that you might use artificial intelligence (AI) and other resources to assist with your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. Job Description Job Purpose The Senior Specialist in Digital Humanities for HSRC (Heritage Science Conservation Research) is part of a team of conservation and heritage science professionals in the Collection Care Department at The National Archives. The Collection Care Department (CCD) is part of a project to establish a Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) under the UKRI RICHeS programme. The CCD uses a knowledge base system using Semantic Linked Data and the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model to capture conservation practice and heritage science research information. This system will deliver data to the HSDS on a regular basis. The project will involve: Describe and define structure and content for Heritage Science and Conservation Research data Participate in decision-making around the design and functionality of HSDS Complete the development of ResearchSpace and the integration with HSDS The Senior Specialist in Digital Humanities for HSRC will actively support these aims using and developing their technical and analytical expertise to enable the representation of heritage science and conservation research data in the Collection Care knowledge base system, and in the HSDS. You will work in close collaboration with the Head of Conservation and Treatment Development as well as the Head of Heritage Science Conservation Research. You will take the lead as required, working together with colleagues across the organisation as well as external partners and stakeholders. You will actively engage in data collecting, knowledge sharing, planning and organizing the full representation of CCD’s heritage science data in ResearchSpace and the HSDS. This role will involve developing an understanding of the CCD knowledge base system, contributing to its design and operation and transferring data from legacy scientific data repositories. This is a full time, fixed term contract for one year. Role and Responsibilities Progress and take ownership of the development of groundbreaking digital tools and standards that support FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles in Heritage Science and Conservation research knowledge systems. Contribute significantly to interdisciplinary collaboration across the organisation and externally and help expand our international network. Independently solve complex problems, applying expert degree of technical expertise, judgement, innovation and adaptability and, negotiate the resulting decisions with peers and stakeholders within and beyond The National Archives. Be up to date with conservation treatments and heritage science analytical techniques, taking a proactive part in personal and professional development and enhancing knowledge and expertise within the department and organisation. Actively communicate the care and conservation of archives and the outcomes of projects across The National Archives and to the international professional community through peer reviewed articles, workshops, meetings, seminars and conferences. Communicate digital specialist activities and findings to a broad range of audiences and ensure that findings are published and presented at professional level, i.e. at international conferences and peer reviewed journals. Support Collections Care’s public engagement agenda, i.e. through contributions to the department’s web and social media presence, The National Archives’ public engagement activities and cooperation with professional bodies. Maintain a strong network with conservation and Heritage Science experts worldwide. Working Conditions Normal office environment Display Screen Equipment user Moving items up to 10kg in weight May come into contact with distressing material Person Specification Essential criteria: A post-graduate degree from a relevant program or appropriate work experience with a high standard of conservation, heritage science and/or digital knowledge, skills and practice. Extensive knowledge of current digital documentation systems and technical standards and the ability to support the development of a creative and innovative knowledge system Demonstrable skills in solving complex problems, delivering high level academic research projects, and making decisions with a high degree of professional judgement Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and deliver projects to an agreed standard and timetable Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative, with strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload Excellent communication skills both written and oral and a track record of peer or non-peer reviewed publications Desirable criteria: Strong knowledge of archive materials. Knowledge of or experience with CIDOC CRM The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy. Benefits Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development. Annual leave entitlement of 22 days per calendar year (rising to 25 after the first year, and incrementally to 30 days after six years) and 10½ days public and privilege holidays per annum. Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ ( opens in new window) Reasonable adjustments If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact The National Archives via careersnationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks (opens in new window) Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. (opens in new window) The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. (opens in new window) Contact point for applicants: Name: The National Archives Recruitment Team Email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact The National Archives via email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/ (opens in new window)