Job Description:
The Archives at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, or the Archives, is a repository that is dedicated to holding institutional records that capture its organizational and scientific history. It is also a collecting Archive, and through an active accessioning programme, it hopes to grow to be a space for the history of biology in India over the past 150 years. Through its collections, the Archives will assist in connecting the dots on scientific and organizational trajectories across the scales of biology – from molecules to ecosystems. The Archives is governed by a guiding Archives Policy, an internal Archives Review Committee, and an external review board. The physical and digital archive will be open for research and public use in early 2019. The Archives is in the possession of primary research material – administrative records, annotated manuscripts, maps, architectural drawings, lab notes, photographs, negatives, slides, oral histories and other electronic audio/visual material – that will serve as the seed for the Archives initial collections. These are broadly in the following categories: The papers and collections of Obaid Siddiqi (material starting from early 1930s); the papers and collections of KS Krishnan (material starting from the early 1970s); the historical records for the formation and development of NCBS (material starting from mid 1960s); and the papers and collections of Ravi Sankaran (material starting from the mid 1980s). In addition, the archives has a set of equipment collected around the history of contemporary biology in India. All this material will serve as the seed and the beginning of the archive.
Position overview:
The project assistant is responsible for the detailed cataloguing efforts in the Archives and also some minor administrative duties (see eligibility/requirements)
Essential Eligibility/Requirements:-
Bachelors degree (any field) with some demonstrated prior experience working in an archive/conservation space.
Academic or practical knowledge of archival accessioning, description methods necessary, including understanding of archival finding aids and hierarchical structure of material. Familiarity with any implementation of ISAD (G) (such as DACS) is a plus but not necessary. Candidate will be required to work on populating archival accessioning and description data using ArchivesSpace and Islandora (training can be provided for these). Candidate will also work closely with the archivist at NCBS on occasional administrative duties (20% of time) related to the setting up of the archive (such as supervision of minor repair work in the new facility). An ability to gauge conservation needs for existing material is a plus. Candidates are expected to have an understanding of copyright, and the broad distinctions between restricted and unrestricted material. Ability to apply archival judgment to earmark archival material for conservation/preservation is a plus. Candidates should be competent with most things digital (spreadsheets, word processing, database entry, web navigation, ability to figure out scanning and archiving cataloguing needs). They should have good organization and communication skills (one or more of English/Hindi/Kannada). Commitment to time, an eye for detail and an ability to self-direct after initial training is critical. Also essential is an ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive documents. A sense of humour and being resourceful helps.
Duration: ~mid November 2018 to mid Feb 2019 (maximum up to end Feb 2019).
Payscale: Rs 28,000/- per month (maximum 3.5 months)
Age limit: 28 years as on 1-07-2018
Last date for receipt of applications :- 15th November, 2018
Application procedure:
(a) All interested applicants should email a cover letter to archives@ncbs.res.in clearly stating how your interests align with the description of the project. Please do not submit your resume or CV at this stage. Applicants who do not communicate this alignment of interests shall not get the questionnaire.
(b) Those who express interest will receive an online questionnaire (or in person), which has a mix of questions around archival judgment and logistics.
(c) Those selected from this questionnaire will be asked to make time for a 45-minute interview slot (in person/phone/Skype).
(d) Candidates will be required to provide names of two relevant referees.
Sd/-
Administrative Officer