Head of Japanese and Korean Section

Cambridge University Libraries wishes to appoint a Head of Japanese and Korean Section as the expert professional lead on the development of our Japanese and Korean collections at Cambridge University Library. These collections are an outstanding resource, supporting teaching and research across the collegiate University, and nationally and internationally. The collections contain over 100,000 physical volumes, as well as hundreds of periodicals and manuscript material, in addition to extensive digital materials. The Japanese and Korean Section is in the Department of World Collections, part of the Research Collections directorate.

Responsible for the strategic development of the Japanese and Korean collections, you will lead on collection management and conservation, set content strategy, and select, purchase and catalogue material in a wide range of formats. You will function as principal curator for the Library's internationally significant historic Japanese and Korean collections, and you will lead a small team comprising a part-time Senior Library Assistant and part-time Library Assistant.

As Head of Japanese and Korean Section, you will invest time in cultivating relationships and collaborating with researchers across the University, and particularly with those in the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. You will provide bibliographical and research support for internal and external researchers, contribute to the management of the East Asian reading room, and work closely with colleagues from across World Collections, including the Head of Chinese Section.

With experience of working with an East Asian collection, and with a wide range of material, you will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including an ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You will be fluent in written and spoken Japanese, and should have some familiarity with classical Japanese.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our institution.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcome, and we encourage you to get in touch if you have any questions about the post itself or about the criteria for candidates. Please direct your enquiries to Helen Murphy, interim lead for World Collections, at hem37@cam.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 18 June 2023.

Interviews will be held on 12 July 2023 with a focus group meeting taking place on 10 or 11 July 2023.

Please quote reference VE36791 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.