Exhibitions Conservator

Job Summary

The Bodleian Libraries seek a candidate to support exhibitions and public engagement, assisting with planning, installation, conservation, loans, and displays. The role involves working with collections, monitoring conditions, and collaborating with teams and partners.

Job Description

About the role
The Bodleian Libraries' Public Engagement team delivers a vibrant programme of exhibitions displays and community projects, connecting audiences with world-class collections. You will support this work as part of a collaborative exhibitions and loans team.

You will assist with the planning and installation of exhibitions, advising on conservation, display and environmental requirements. This includes preparing items for display and loan, assessing condition, designing mounts and working closely with colleagues across the Libraries and external partners to ensure successful delivery.

You will also support outward loans, act as a courier, monitor environmental conditions, and contribute to smaller display projects and supervision of interns.

This is a full-time, permanent post, working 37.5 hours per week on-site.

About You
You will have a recognised qualification in conservation or equivalent experience, with a background in collections care and exhibitions in a library, museum or heritage setting. You will understand best practice in conservation and be confident using environmental monitoring equipment and interpreting data.

You will have a highly developed visual sense with an understanding of what makes an effective and imaginative display and exhibition. You will be organised and adaptable, able to manage priorities and work both independently and collaboratively. You will have strong communication and digital skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to travel, including holding a current driving licence and undertaking courier duties.

Job Requirements

1. Participate in the planning and installation of exhibitions and displays at the Bodleian
Library. Work alongside other library departments such as Special Collections,
Conservation and Collection Care, Venue Services, Facilities Management and Security
as well as Communications to ensure planned delivery of exhibition schedule.
2. Participate in forward planning activities, serving as a member of all exhibition teams,
including planning and installation teams. Reviewing all exhibition plans from a
conservation and display perspective and making recommendations on material,
environment, and display; and implementing thereafter. This may include consulting on
conservation issues such as case design and construction, finishing material, and
lighting. Carry out research into new products and materials for exhibition display,
including exhibition lighting.
3. Advising on conservation issues for proposed outward loans, including reading and
interpreting graphs and display case drawings.

Job Responsibilities

4. In conjunction with the Exhibitions Manager, this post is expected to direct a variety of staff during exhibition changeover; willingness to lead on projects that require input from
the Exhibitions Technician and Administrative Assistant; and to supervise interns, students and visitors.
5. Take responsibility for delivering short displays on central Bodleian site. Working with a curator you will plan, manage and design small displays in collaboration with, and
independently from, the Exhibitions Manager.
6. Undertake collection condition assessments, produce documentation including
photographic records and condition reports to an agreed standard. When appropriate,
communicate with stakeholders about condition issues, treatment options, and documenting appropriately.
7. The post-holder will also design individual mounts and prepare Library material for display and loan.

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Job Overview

Job Title: Exhibitions Conservator
Salary: £30k-£40k
Hours: Full time
Role: Customer Service
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Fri, 22 May 2026
Location:

South East

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Job: Exhibitions Conservator

Organisation: Gardens, Libraries, and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford

Postcode: OX1 3BG

How to Apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Sallyanne Gilchrist, Exhibitions Manager, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role ([email protected]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the GLAM Recruitment team ([email protected]).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Friday 22 May 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 8 June 2026 in-person.

Contact name: HR Team
Contact email: [email protected]

About Gardens, Libraries, and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford

Oxford University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) house some of the world's most significant collections. They provide important places of scholarly enquiry and serve as the front door to the wealth of knowledge and research generated at Oxford, welcoming over 3 million visitors each year. We form one of the greatest concentrations of university collections in the world.

Find out more