The Bodleian Libraries are looking to recruit a Head of Preventive Conservation (Maternity Cover) to join their team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
The Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford is the largest university library system in the United Kingdom. It includes the principal University library – the Bodleian Library – which has been a legal deposit library for 400 years; as well as 27 libraries across Oxford including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries.
About the Role
The main role of the Head of Preventive Conservation is to manage the Preventive Conservation team, which includes 2 Preventive Conservators, 1 Collection Care Conservator, work placement students and volunteers. The Head of Preventive Conservationwill carry out preventive conservation operations and provide specialist advice across the Bodleian Libraries, working in collaboration with library stakeholders, as agreed with the T. A. Barron Head of Conservation & Heritage Science. These operations include, but are not limited to, environmental monitoring, emergency response, pest management, collections maintenance, to devise and implement training courses and policies relating to preventive conservation, and manage and maintain the preventive conservation work areas and storage spaces. The Head of Preventive Conservation will schedule and manage projects, allocate staff resources, and manage the section’s budget in liaison with the Head of C&HS.
Maternity Leave Cover Post
This post is to cover the absence of the substantive postholder, who is taking a period of maternity leave. The post is available until 1 February 2027 or the actual return of the substantive postholder, or the resignation of the substantive postholder and employment of a new postholder, whichever is the earliest.
About You
You will hold a recognised professional qualification in conservation with an emphasis on preventive conservation and have practical experience of collections care in a library or similar context, including hands-on knowledge of Hanwell environmental monitoring equipment and the ability to gather and interpret scientific data for reporting.
You will demonstrate highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure, and experience of managing staff, interns and volunteers while working both collaboratively and independently to high standards.
Experience of PACR accreditation from Icon, or active progress towards it, is desirable.
How to Apply
To find out more and apply, please visit the University of Oxford Vacancies Site before the role deadline on Monday 15 December 2025 at 12PM.
You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants).
Please note that if you do not upload a completed supporting statement and a CV, we will be unable to consider your application for this role.