About the role
EMLO is an Oxford-hosted catalogue of early modern correspondence, now managed within the Bodleian Libraries. You will work with the editorial team to add and improve metadata for letters in the Bodleian’s manuscript collections, identify items of research interest, and support the ongoing development of the database. You will also liaise with the Curator of Early Modern Manuscripts, colleagues in BDLSS and EMLO, and contribute to publications, digital outputs, and wider collaborative initiatives.
This is a full-time post, working 37.5 hours per week. This role is primarily library-based, but working from home one or two days per week may be possible by agreement.
Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic DBS check due to working unsupervised with the library’s manuscript collections.
About You
You will have a relevant first degree and a postgraduate qualification in early modern history, literature, or equivalent experience.
You will have palaeographical skills sufficient to read English secretary-hand of the 16th and 17th centuries, along with a strong understanding of early modern documents and their value for researchers.
You will bring excellent IT skills, outstanding attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to work both independently and collaboratively.
Experience with early modern texts or scholarly databases would be an advantage.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Diversity
Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at
[email protected].
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement 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 Mike Webb, Curator of Early Modern Archives and Manuscripts, 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 Monday 27 July 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 17 August 2026.
