Conservator of Manuscripts, Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies

The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies at the University of Iceland invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Manuscript conservator at the Institute. This is a full-time position.

The Arnamagnæan Manuscript Collection, now divided between Reykjavík and Copenhagen, takes its name from the Icelandic scholar Árni Magnússon (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 manuscript division of the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies undertakes manuscript research and the preparation of scholarly editions; it is also responsible for the conservation, imaging and cataloguing of manuscripts. The particular responsibilities of the conservator involve the conservation and repair of all the Institute’s manuscripts, both vellum and paper. The conservator also ensures that the storage and exhibition of manuscripts are to the highest standards.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a degree or equivalent Conservation Studies qualification from a recognised university or other specialist academic institution. They should be qualified and experienced in the conservation of vellum manuscripts. In the discharge of their duties and responsibilities they should be capable of innovation, independence and constructive collaboration with colleagues. 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. 

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 1 June 2015, for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal.

Applications: The closing date for applications is 15 March 2014. These should be addressed to Stofnun Árna Magnússonar í íslenskum fræðum, Árnagarði við Suðurgötu, IS-101 Reykjavík; electronic applications to kari@hi.is. Applications should be accompanied by all relevant degree certificates (originals or certified copies) 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 Margrét Eggertsdóttir, Director of the Manuscript Department: 00 354 5254014 or megg@hi.is