Job title: Special Collections Graduate Apprentice
Department: Library
Contract Type: Fixed term (24 months)
Grad: 4
Salary: £23,881 per annum plus London Allowance: £4,836.19er annum Inclusive of 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.

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.