Digital Archivist (2-Year FTC)

Serpentine is seeking a dedicated and experienced Digital Archivist to join our Audience & Enterprise team. This is a unique opportunity to safeguard and share over fifty-five years of contemporary art history, making our extraordinary archive more accessible for artists, researchers, curators, and the public.

What you’ll do
As Digital Archivist, you will:

• Lead the preservation and digitisation of Serpentine’s archive, spanning from 1970 to today.


• Audit, catalogue and standardise our digital and physical collections to ensure long-term accessibility.


• Recruit, manage and mentor an Archive Technician.


• Oversee hybrid archiving processes, implementing best practices in records management and digital preservation.


• Support internal and external access to archival materials, and contribute to the creation of displays, resources and events that bring our archive to life.


• Champion consistent archival practices across the organisation and train colleagues to embed best practice.

What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone with:

• A postgraduate qualification in archives and records management (or equivalent).


• Proven experience managing digital and physical archives in a cultural institution.


• Strong knowledge of digital preservation standards, metadata management, and physical conservation practices.


• Experience conducting archival audits and implementing records management systems.


• Familiarity with relevant legislation, including GDPR, data protection, and copyright.


• Excellent project management, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and advocate for the value of archives.
  (Experience managing staff and developing archival resources is desirable but not essential.)

Why join us?
This is a chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Serpentine’s archive, ensuring that our rich history is preserved, accessible and activated for generations to come.

If you’re passionate about digital preservation and cultural heritage, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us transform Serpentine’s archive into a living resource for the future.

Please see our candidate pack for further details. 

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 21st September 2025.