Job Opportunity: Archivist at ISAC

Job Summary

The Archivist at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) supports the stewardship, discoverability, and long-term preservation of ISAC’s archival collections, including both physical (analogue) and digital materials. Based within the ISAC Data Research Center (DRC), this position plays a central role in ensuring ISAC’s research and cultural heritage assets are preserved and accessible to scholars, students, and the public in support of the Institute’s research, curatorial, teaching, and preservation missions. The Archivist provides hands-on support across the full lifecycle of archival collection stewardship—from acquisition, processing, and deaccessioning to metadata creation, digital preservation, and research access—and contributes to ISAC’s broader mission of advancing the study of the ancient world through research, teaching, and outreach.

Responsibilities

• Archival Processing:
  Accession, arrange, and describe physical archival collections according to current archival standards and institutional priorities. Prepare finding aids and maintain consistency in descriptive practices across collections.

• Metadata & Cataloging:
  Create, maintain, and improve metadata for analog and digital collections using relevant standards (e.g., Dublin Core, EAD, EDM, IIIF). Contribute to the refinement of metadata policies, mappings, and documentation.

• Digital Preservation and Access:
  Apply digital preservation best practices to ensure the long-term accessibility of born-digital and digitized archival content. Support digital repository platforms (such as EMu) and contribute to preservation workflows in collaboration with DRC staff.

• Acquisitions and Deaccessions:
  Participate in the evaluation and intake of new collections, including donor communications and documentation. In collaboration with ISAC and external partners, support responsible deaccessioning decisions based on research value, legal frameworks, and infrastructure constraints. Maintain accurate records and assist with transfer logistics.

• Research Services and Reference:
  Respond to research requests from internal and external users, providing timely and accurate access to archival materials. Support reading room services and assist visiting researchers with reference, citation, and interpretation of holdings.

• Documentation & Policy Support:
  Maintain internal documentation of workflows and procedures. Participate in the development and revision of policies and protocols related to archival collections management and researcher access.

• Project Collaboration:
  Organize and participate in outreach including lending sessions, public programing, teaching, events, and conferences. Contribute archival expertise to interdisciplinary initiatives, grant-funded projects, and digital scholarship collaborations supported by the DRC.

• Maintains guidelines, policies, and procedures for the unit. Manages unit communications, which includes the web site.

• Assesses and resolves problems and complaints.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) with a concentration in archives, or a graduate degree in a related discipline (e.g., History, Anthropology, Digital Humanities, etc.) combined with significant archival experience. Certification in archives or digital archives strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 3–5 years of professional experience working with both physical and digital archival collections in an academic, museum, or research setting.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in archival accessioning and processing.

• Experience creating and maintaining metadata in archival or digital library systems.

• Familiarity with standards such as DACS, EAD, Dublin Core, and IIIF.

• Working knowledge of digital preservation principles, platforms, and workflows. Experience with Axiell EMu is a plus.

• Demonstrated experience providing reference and research services.

• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage large or complex collections.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and ethical stewardship in cultural heritage.

Working Conditions

• This position is based at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures on the University of Chicago campus. Work will take place across offices, collections, and reading room environments. The position requires regular handling of archival materials and occasional lifting of boxes up to 40 lbs. Occasional participation in public programs, teaching sessions, or collaborative events may be required.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

• Contact information for (3) professional references

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.