Paul ONeill Archive Administration and Data Entry Assistant

IMMA is seeking expressions of interest from staff currently serving in the grades of Clerical/Executive/Mediator/Invigilator for secondment to the Engagement & Learning Department.  

Role

Paul O'Neill Archive - Administration and Data Entry Assistant

Reporting to 

Curator: Engagement & Learning (Dr. Lisa Moran) 

Location 

• Primary: Temporary office, top floor of the House Galleries (when accessible) 

• Secondary: Office in Room 6, occasional desk in Room 2, and off-site storage facility in Damastown as required 

About the Paul O'Neill Archive 

In 2023, IMMA acquired the archive of Paul O’Neill — artist, curator, writer, researcher, and educator. The Paul O’Neill Archive comprises documents, books, journals, artworks, exhibition material and project ephemera spanning several decades of his career. Following its transport from Helsinki to Dublin in 2024, work is now underway to assess, catalogue, preserve, and make the archive accessible for research and public engagement. 

Role Purpose 

The role supports the processing, cataloguing, and documentation of the Paul O’Neill Archive with a particular focus on the MULTIPLES project, the most extensive and complex element of the archive. The work will inform the overall archival methodology, ensure preservation, and enable engagement with researchers, students, and wider audiences. 

Timeframe 

• Contract: September 2025 – February 2026 (subject to review and possible extension) 

• Days per week: Full Time

• Working hours: 9.15am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday 

Key Responsibilities 

Core Tasks 

• Assist with assessment, cataloguing, data entry, and re-packing of archival material 

• Conduct research on the content and context of the Paul O’Neill Archive 

• Generate tables, reports, and records relating to the archive 

• Scan and digitise archival materials for preservation and access 

• Assist with research into copyright permissions for third-party material 

• Support the selection and presentation of material for engagement with researchers and third-level institutions 

• Draft summary texts for IMMA’s website and educational resources 

• Order materials and resources as required 

• Contribute to cataloguing publications within the Paul O’Neill Archive as part of IMMA’s broader library project 

• Attend weekly progress meetings and submit progress reports 

MULTIPLES Project – A sub section within the Paul O’Neill Archive  – Additional Tasks 

• Liaise with key collaborators, artists, and curators connected to MULTIPLES to gather supporting documentation 

• Research complementary archives (e.g., Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, LanguAge) 

• Create photographic and digital records of artworks and programmes 

• Establish a database of images relating to MULTIPLES 

Person Specification 

Requirements 

• Strong research and analytical skills 

• Competence in data management and documentation 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel 

Expectations 

The successful candidate will be expected to: 

• Gain familiarity with the work of Paul O’Neill as artist, curator, researcher, and educator 

• Acquire knowledge of the scope and content of the Paul O’Neill Archive 

• Learn and apply IMMA’s QI collections database system 

 Key Outputs 

• Assessment, cataloguing, documentation, and repacking of the MULTIPLES project and other archive elements 

• Agreed system of headings and methodologies for cataloguing the archive 

• Research body to inform ingestion and cataloguing of MULTIPLES material 

• Support for student engagement and research access 

 Overall Project Goals for the Paul O’Neill Archive 

• Preservation: Ensure long-term safeguarding of the Paul O’Neill Archive


• Accessibility: Enable access for researchers, scholars, staff, and the public


• Research: Support scholarship on Paul O’Neill and curatorial practice
  


• Education: Engage public audiences through educational initiatives
  


• Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with third-level institutions and international networks
  


• Integration: Embed the archive into IMMA’s Collections, Exhibitions, Engagement & Learning, and Residency programmes 

Conditions of Appointment

· The secondment to the position will be made as soon as possible following this process. Options to defer the commencement date, once agreed, will not be considered.

· The secondment of any individual is subject to the approval of that individual's Department. Applicants must ensure that they are releasable by their Department in advance of applying for the post.

· Normal annual leave terms and conditions will apply to the secondee.

· Please note that any role-specific allowances, such as Saturday or Sunday premiums, will not apply during the secondment period unless weekend work is explicitly required and approved as part of the seconded role. This is in line with public sector pay policy, which stipulates that allowances are only payable when the duties associated with them are performed.

· The secondment is to a full-time temporary position and, at the end of the term, the employee will return to their substantive post at their current grade.

· The arrangement will be reviewed after a period of 3 months to ensure the arrangement is meeting the expectations of both parties.

· In the event of an employee's service not being satisfactory the secondment arrangement will cease, and the employee will return to their substantive role and department.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit a short expression of interest (max 300 words) outlining:

• Your motivation for applying


• Relevant experience or transferable skills


• Any development goals you hope to achieve through the secondment

by Friday 12th September at 12 noon.

Queries:
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity informally, feel free to get in touch.