Project Assistant – Collection Inventorisation EMI Archive Trust

Closing date: 23 February 2026 (9am)

• Project: The Global Gramophone
• Location: Thamesmead, London SE28
• Contract: Fixed-term for 18 months (two full-time roles or part-time equivalent arrangements considered)
• Start date: March 2026
• Salary: £35,000 per annum (pro rata if part-time)

About the Project

The Global Gramophone is an ambitious project to digitise and share a unique and internationally significant audio collection. The project will preserve and make accessible early commercial sound recordings, connecting them with the global communities represented within the archive.

The project will place the digitised collection online and support a major crowdsourcing initiative designed to widen access and participation.

The EMI Archive Trust is an independent charity registered in England and Wales. Established in 1996, it is the legal owner and custodian of one of the world’s most significant collections of early commercial sound recordings and associated documentation. The earliest part of the collection (1897–1914) was inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World International Register in 2023 in recognition of its outstanding universal value.

This role will contribute directly to preserving and unlocking this globally important cultural heritage for future generations.

The Role

As Project Assistant (Collection Inventorisation), you will support the creation of an electronic inventory of the EMI Archive Trust disc collection. This is a detailed and methodical role requiring accuracy, care in handling archival materials, and the ability to work consistently against agreed targets.

The role forms part of a project team and contributes to a major initiative to improve access, preservation and long-term understanding of the collection.

Key Responsibilities

• Applying Unique Identifier (UID) labels to disc sleeves in accordance with agreed archival procedures
• Recording UIDs accurately against disc numbers within a spreadsheet database
• Repacking and numbering collection items in line with preservation standards
• Contributing to the development and refinement of efficient, safe working methodologies
• Planning and organising workload to meet agreed project targets
•  Reporting progress against milestones as required

Essential Skills and Experience

• An archival qualification or demonstrable equivalent professional experience
• Knowledge of archival organisational principles and collection management practices
• Confidence working with numerical information and presenting basic data clearly
• Good IT skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Ability to organise and prioritise work effectively
• Careful and confident handling of physical collection materials
•  Ability to maintain concentration, accuracy and attention to detail when undertaking detailed, methodical work
• Ability to undertake manual handling activities associated with archival collections, including occasional work at height using appropriate equipment
• Experience of delivering work against agreed targets

Training, appropriate equipment and support will be provided. Reasonable adjustments will be considered.

Working Conditions

The role will be carried out fully onsite, with no remote working possible. It involves manual handling of archival materials and detailed, repetitive tasks. It may occasionally require working at height using appropriate access equipment. Full training and health and safety guidance will be provided.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The EMI Archive Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from communities underrepresented in the heritage and archival sector.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. If you require any adjustments, please let us know.

Contract Information

This is a fixed-term contract for 18 months, linked to project funding. Standard employment rights apply. Flexible or part-time working arrangements may be considered.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role to: will.prentice@umusic.com

Applications must be received by 9am on Monday 23 February 2026.

Initial online interviews will take place w/c 2 March; secondary in-person interviews are expected to take place w/c 16 March.

Applicants’ personal data will be processed in line with relevant data protection legislation.