Geophysical Collections Archivist

Do you enjoy working with historical scientific data or archival collections? Do you have an interest in the geophysical sciences or in organizing and creating access to important geophysical resources? Then we have a job for you!

The Keith B. Mather Library is the northernmost research library in the United States, located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks Troth Yeddha campus. The library serves the geoscience research community as well as the general public, providing both physical and digital geoscience collections and resources. The Mather Library is an integral part of the Geophysical Institute (GI), where the breadth of geoscientific research includes the atmospheric sciences; remote sensing; seismology & geodesy; snow, ice, & permafrost; space physics and aeronomy; tectonics & sedimentation; and volcanology. This research represents long-term data collection, research spanning the GI’s entire 74-year history, as well as contemporary cutting-edge research. The library’s archival collections are invaluable records of and resources for these research areas, and it is imperative that these are well organized, maintained, preserved, and made accessible to both the research community and the general public.

This is an in-person position located in the Keith B. Mather Library at the Geophysical Institute at UAF. Your job will focus on processing archival collections of various formats, including organization, description, preservation, accessibility, and discoverability. Additionally, you will provide research assistance, facilitate access to archival collections, and contribute to outreach and programming to promote these collections. You will participate in digitization initiatives, including metadata creation for digital surrogates, and work collaboratively with library staff and the director on day-to-day tasks as needed. The Mather Library strives to create and maintain a welcoming and collaborative environment for employees and visitors, and you will be an integral part of the library’s team.

The Geophysical Institute is a research-focused organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers a competitive work environment with strong benefits, including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute values collaboration, accountability, and the exchange of ideas. We foster a professional and respectful environment dedicated to serving Alaska through applied science. Career growth and professional development are supported and encouraged.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF welcomes applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

To thrive in this role, you will have demonstrated experience working with archival collections, particularly with the arrangement and description of archival materials. Ideally, you would have a working knowledge in one or more areas of the geosciences– atmospheric sciences or glaciology is preferred. You will need exceptional attention to detail and the ability to maintain accuracy and focus during extended periods of detailed work, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. A willingness to learn new technologies, tasks, and procedures will allow you to succeed and grow in this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree, ideally within the geosciences, with at least 1 year of relevant experience in archives/special collections arrangement and description.

Preferred: Master of Library Science or Museum Studies with a focus on archival collections.

Position Details:

This position is full-time, Grade 78 , term-funded, non-exempt, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental, and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule , based on education and experience.

We review applications on a rolling basis. Because we may close the posting once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is established, we encourage early submission. Please note that once a viable pool is identified, further applications may not be reviewed.  

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible. 

This position will be physically located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. The successful finalist will be expected to report to duty at the UAF office on the first day of employment.

To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE .

If you need assistance applying to this posting, please contact GI - Office of Human Resources at View phone number on careers.alaska.edu or at View email address on careers.alaska.edu.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at View email address on careers.alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska () is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination () against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

The University of Alaska reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at University of Alaska facilities. Remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the discretion of the University. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or where required by the job duties of the position.

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Access to the reports is available at:

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