Current vacancies

Current vacancies

Harveian Librarian

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites RCP fellows to apply for the post of Harveian Librarian.


The successful candidate will start in September 2024 on a 3-year initial term (that can be extended by an additional year on mutual agreement). The role is open to all RCP fellows, in good standing, including SAS doctors.

The time commitment for the role is flexible, about ½ a day per week including occasional evening and weekend requirements. The post is not remunerated but RCP officers can claim reimbursement of eligible expenses in line with the RCP’s travel policy.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 Sunday 18 August 2024 and shortlisted candidates are expected to be available for interview on Wednesday 28 August. Please note that interviews will either be conducted virtually or in person in London, with details provided to shortlisted candidates.

 

Why should you apply to be the Harveian Librarian?

Do you have a strong knowledge of the history of medicine and of the RCP?

Are you a passionate advocate for libraries, archives and museums?

Do you have experience of interpreting and explaining historical collections to a wide range of audiences?

The RCP is looking for an individual with these skills to support the research and information needs of members and staff, while using the collections and activities to share our history and inspire the next generation of physicians.

The Harveian Librarian

The Harveian Librarian, a role that dates back to 1654, is responsible for developing, preserving and promoting the RCP’s current and historical collections, maintaining more than 500 years of the organisation’s history. It is a role ideally suited to a fellow who is a passionate advocate for libraries, archives and museums and who has an understanding of their value and importance to a membership organisation.

Working alongside the RCP archive, heritage library and museum service team (AMS), the Harveian Librarian also plays a key role in fundraising and generating income to support the work of the team and its plans to develop the library, archive and museum work programmes.

The role holder will have a strong knowledge of the history of medicine and of the RCP, and be interested in engaging physicians and the public on these topics. They will have research and experience of interpreting and explaining historical collections to a variety of audiences, including media such as TV, radio, newspapers, journals and magazines. They will support the AMS team to provide a range of resources, information services and a programme of public exhibitions, events and tours.

The Harveian Librarian also plays a key role in the RCP’s obituary service Inspiring physicians (previously called Lives of the fellows or Munk’s roll), including commissioning, approving and editing biographical entries.

Application and deadline

Application is via a short CV and covering letter explaining why you are suitable for the role. Please return applications to Sam.Flinders@rcp.ac.uk no later than 23:59 Sunday 18 August 2024.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 28 August. The role description can be downloaded below.

Role description for Harveian Librarian

Timeline

  • Application period: Until 23:59 on Sunday, 18 August 2024
  • Shortlisting: Week commencing 19 August
  • Interviews: 28 August in person or by MS Teams.

Panel:

  • Professor Simon Bowman, treasurer
  • Edward Davies, director of development and collections
  • Elizabeth Douglas, interim senior curator
  • Member of the archive, heritage library and museum advisory committee (tbc).

Start date: September 2024

For a conversation about the role, please contact Edward.Davies@rcp.ac.uk or outgoing Harveian Librarian Louella.Vaughan@rcp.ac.uk

 

The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

The RCP is all about our people – our members, our staff, our volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. We actively welcome having people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients they serve.