Archivist

ISAC: Museum

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind’s progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world’s leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC's collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC's centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is “The University of Chicago.” The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.

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.

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

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• Contact information for (3) professional references

Library

People Manager

37.5

No

No

No

Salary

Exempt

$65,000.00 - $80,000.00

Yes