Curator, Papyrology Collection

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
 

Job Summary

The Curator, Papyrology Collection, is primarily responsible for overseeing the cataloging, conservation, and digital photography of collection material; preparing and delivering course-related instruction and other presentations to groups; promoting awareness and encouraging use of the collection through exhibition and other outreach activities; and assisting in-person and remote researchers with their scholarship on papyri in the collection. The Curator is additionally responsible for coordinating the publication of editions of the papyri in the collection, contributing to and assisting with the maintenance of the Advanced Papyrological Information System (APIS) database, and making purchases for the non-circulating collection of papyrological publications. As a member of the SCRC community, the individual in this position participates in service delivery, policy development, and priority setting for the Special Collections Research Center; serves on Library, University, and other committees, task forces, etc., as needed and appropriate; and is expected to be active professionally.

What You'll Do

• Oversee conservation and photography of collection material; enrich existing and create needed descriptions of collection material (25%)
• Prepare and deliver course-related instruction and other presentations to groups; promote awareness and encourage use of the collection through exhibition and outreach (25%)
• Provide research assistance in-person and remotely (25%)
• Conduct research and prepare editions for publication (15%)
• Participate in service delivery, policy development, and priority setting for the Special Collections Research Center; serve on Library, University, and other committees, task forces, etc., as needed and appropriate; and engage in professional development and activity (10%)
   

Who We Are

The University of Michigan Library is one of the world's largest academic research libraries. It serves a vibrant university community that is home to 19 schools and colleges, over 100 top ten graduate programs, and annual research expenditures exceeding $1.5 billion. In keeping with the library's mission to collect, describe, preserve, and make available the record of human knowledge, its Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) acquires, cares for, interprets, and promotes the use of important collections of unique, rare, primary source, and other material in all formats and across a variety of subject areas.

As Curator of SCRC's Papyrology Collection, you will provide oversight for the most important collection of papyri in the United States. You will be responsible for supporting the needs of the students, faculty, researchers, and others who study and publish the papyri held in the collection; for engaging in instruction and outreach to promote awareness and encourage use of the collection; and for helping to ensure its continued availability for future generations. You will work with colleagues in the Development Office, Digital Content & Collections, Publishing, and Preservation Services to advance our goals for the collection. You will report to the Director, Special Collections Research Center, and participate in service delivery, policy development, and priority setting for the SCRC.
 

Why Work at Michigan?

The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous time off (24 vacation days per year and 15 sick days per year)
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and more
• TIAA and Fidelity Investments
   

Required Qualifications*

• Master's degree accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) or an equivalent combination of a relevant advanced degree and experience.
• Experience working with collection material in a library, museum, or other cultural heritage repository.
• Reading knowledge of Ancient Greek.
• Expert knowledge of the bibliography of the field of papyrology.
• Record of, or interest in, research and publication in areas relevant to the collection.
• Strong customer service orientation. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a collegial team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to share ideas and information clearly and effectively.
   

Desired Qualifications*

• Proficiency in demotic and Coptic Egyptian, Latin, and/or Arabic.
• An advanced degree in any field of study represented in the collection.
• Familiarity with trends, issues, and best practices in the description, care, and management of special collections material.
• Familiarity with FileMaker or another cross-platform relational database application.
   

Modes of Work

This position is anticipated to work on-site. Positions that are eligible for mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about Modes of Work.
 

Additional Information

Appointment is anticipated at the Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian rank. The salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. The target range for this position is $66,000 - $77,000 for the Associate Librarian rank and $77,000 - $90,000 for the Senior Associate Librarian rank. This position is subject to a contractual increase in 2025-26. The anticipated hire date is October 1, 2025.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between UM and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, on behalf of their Librarian, Archivists, and Curators bargaining unit of LEO-GLAM. Librarian appointments carry increased expectations regarding professional development, professional engagement, research, and service, keeping with the library's librarian promotion and advancement process.

It is the policy of the University of Michigan to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on disability. Pursuant to the UM|LEO-GLAM agreement, each appointing until will designate an administrative contact ("Administrative designee") responsible for communicating with the necessary parties about accommodation requests made by Employees in that appointing unit on each campus. The Administrative Designee for the Library Collections Department is Deb Jackson. They may be reached at 734-764-9529 or [email protected].
 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the posting is filled.
 

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.