The Arni Magnusson Institute for Icelandic Studies in Reykjavik invites applications for a full-time position as conservator of its manuscript collection.
The Institute The Arnamagnaean Manuscript Collection, now divided between Reykjavík and Copenhagen, takes its name from the Icelandic scholar Arni Magnusson (1663–1730); it comprises the single most important collection of Old Norse-Icelandic manuscripts extant, and was inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2009 following a joint submission by Iceland and Denmark. The Arni Magnusson Institute for Icelandic Studies in Reykjavík holds approximately 2000 manuscripts on parchment and paper, as well as diplomas, apographs etc. The manuscript department of the institute undertakes manuscript research and the preparation of scholarly editions; it is also responsible for the conservation, imaging and cataloguing of manuscripts. For more information see: www.arnastofnun.is. Assignments The work will consist in both active conservation of the manuscript collection, with bound manuscripts, diplomas and fragments on parchment and paper, and preventive conservation, with monitoring of the climate in the manuscript storage room and the exhibition areas, as well as transport and condition reports in connection with loan. The conservator also assists researchers ensuring that manuscripts are handled correctly in the reading rooms and during classes. Qualifications Applicants must have a B.Sc. or cand.scient.cons. degree in conservation and be specialized in conservation of manuscripts or library materials. Emphasis will be put on knowledge and demonstrable experience in conservation of books and understanding of the preservation issues related to books and parchment. The applicant should be able to do practical conservation on paper and parchment manuscripts as well as supervising handling of manuscripts, setting up exhibitions, monitoring and controlling the climate. The collection has only one conservator and the applicant must therefore be able to work independently. The successful applicant need not have Icelandic as his or her native language. However, the appointee is expected, within a reasonable time, to learn enough Icelandic to be able to participate actively in all functions the position may involve. Fluency in both written and spoken English is a prerequisite. Salary and working conditions The successful candidate’s salary will be set in accordance with current agreements between the Civil Servants Association, or the Association of University Teachers, and the Minister of Finance. The successful applicant will be appointed from the 15th of March 2017 or shortly thereafter, for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal. The manuscript department, including the conservation workshop, is currently housed in Árnagarður on Suðurgata, 101 Reykjavík. Plans are in place for a new building for the institute which is expected to be operational by 2020. The new building will include a state of the art conservation workshop. Applications The closing date for applications is February 20th 2017. Applications should be sent to Kari Kaaber at: [email protected] Applications should be accompanied by all relevant degree certificates and by relevant academic transcripts. Applicants should include the names of two individuals who can supply references in support of their application. All applications will be acknowledged, and all applicants will be informed when a decision has been taken in respect of the appointment. Further information on the advertised position may be obtained from: Dr Svanhildur Oskarsdottir, Head of the manuscript department, [email protected], telephone +354 5254012. ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Archives through August 2016 at http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/ Archives from September 2016 onward at https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
