Job title: Special Collections Graduate Apprentice
Department: Library
Contract Type: Fixed term (24 months)
Grade: 4
Salary: £28,578.19 per annum Inclusive of London Weighting.

Location: Bloomsbury, London
Hours: 35 hours p/week (full time FTE) (Monday-Friday 9-5pm inclusive of 20% learning time)

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Department:

SOAS Library attracts researchers from around the world and has holdings of 1.3 million volumes and an excellent selection of online resources to support the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Special Collections is responsible for the management of the Library’s archive, manuscript, and rare book holdings. This includes acquiring, cataloguing, and preserving the collections. The Special Collections team also manages a service point providing access to the collections through the reading room and an enquiry service. Special Collections works closely with other teams in SOAS Library, including Collection Care, Digitisation Centre, SOAS Gallery, Access & Discovery and Reader Services, as well as colleagues across SOAS.

About the role:

This apprenticeship position is aimed at a recent SOAS graduate interested in pursuing a career in Archives, Libraries, or Information Management. The postholder will support public services within Library Special Collections, including supervising the reading room, assisting researchers, responding to enquiries, and facilitating access to rare and unique materials. They will also support the management and promotion of the library’s archives, manuscript, and rare books collections by undertaking processing and preservation tasks, and by preparing materials for exhibitions and outreach events.

As part of this 24-month trainee role, the postholder will be enrolled in the Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Apprenticeship with Westminster Adult Education Service. The apprenticeship combines structured off-the-job learning with practical experience in a professional library and archive setting, providing essential skills for a successful career in the sector.

 Applicants should have completed their studies at SOAS within the past two years (2023–2025).

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement. 

Closing date:17 August 2025          

Interviews to be held: W/C 25 August 2025

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.