Digital Imaging Lead

Digital Imaging Lead

Reporting to the Head of Digitization, the Digital Imaging Lead is instrumental to the Library's capabilities in delivering its collections for use in world-class research. The Digitization Department, leads cultural heritage digital imaging projects and exhibition photography at the University of Chicago Library, in a state-of-the-art digitization laboratory. With advanced expertise in digital photography and imaging technologies, this position oversees complex and highly specialized digitization projects, ensures adherence to imaging and material handling standards, and provides mentorship to Digitization Specialist, student assistants, and interns.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex digital imaging and exhibition photography projects, ensuring exceptional quality. Oversee imaging of diverse materials using advanced techniques and equipment, including Phase One cameras, DSLRs, mirrorless, and overhead scanners. Consistently apply and uphold stringent imaging standards (e.g., FADGI), crafting high-resolution, preservation-standard images.
• Hire, train, and manage digital imaging student assistants, including overseeing all student-generated work from imaging through processing.
• Conduct exhaustive quality reviews of digital images to maintain exceptional image quality and fidelity to the original materials. Process and manage digital images, ensuring they are accurate, consistent, and compliant with imaging standards. Review files for completeness, correct metadata, color accuracy, and overall image integrity before final delivery or archiving.
• Safely handle and digitize rare, fragile, and unique materials, using proper support techniques and advanced imaging tools to prevent damage and produce detailed, high-resolution images that preserve the originals' integrity.
• Implement quality assurance protocols for all cultural heritage scanners and Phase One cameras, ensuring adherence to FADGI standards across the Library. Perform routine maintenance, equipment calibration, troubleshooting, and vendor coordination to maintain optimal equipment performance.
• Promote efficient, team-oriented workflows by sharing expertise, providing technical guidance, and fostering a positive work environment. Identify areas for improvement and collaborate with the Digitization Manager to implement changes.
• Collaborates on research and workflow development for emerging imaging technologies, including multispectral, hyperspectral, and 3D capture. Write and present on cultural heritage imaging research, stay current with advancements in the field, and engage in consortia groups and professional networks to support innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Acts as a resource for a project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.
• Is responsible for tracking progress, conducting analysis, as well as preparing for and facilitating project meetings.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Photography, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of professional experience in digital photography, preferably in a cultural heritage or academic setting.
• At least 3 of experience working in a digital production environment, preferably in a library, museum, cultural heritage institution, or commercial setting, handling rare and fragile cultural heritage materials.
• Experience leading digitization projects in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Experience in color management, profiling, calibration, and quality assurance.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrates expertise in high-end digital imaging technologies, photographic equipment, and software (e.g., Phase One cameras, Photoshop, Capture One).
• Demonstrates expertise in configuring exhibit and other studio photography setups, including lighting and capture equipment, and tethered capture workflows.
• Demonstrates experience in handling rare and exceptionally fragile materials.
• Strong knowledge of the FADGI imaging standards, deployment of Golden Thread software, and other national standards.
• Working knowledge in multi- and hyperspectral imaging, 3D imaging, and other technical methodologies that support long-term preservation of collection materials and advance research and learning initiatives.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to innovate and adapt to evolving digitization needs.
• Ability to follow precise technical and operational procedures to ensure the integrity of the equipment, as well as the imaging outputs.

Working Conditions

This position requires regular and extended physical activity in a photography studio and digitization lab environment. The work is performed in a controlled studio setting, which may involve low-noise environments and reduced ambient light to optimize capture conditions.

The work involves:

• Prolonged standing for long durations during imaging sessions.
• Frequent bending, hunching, and twisting to adjust equipment, handle materials, or access imaging surfaces.
• Repetitive grasping, lifting, and reaching motions to position items, operate cameras, and manage lighting setups.
• Manual dexterity to press camera controls, adjust focus, and manipulate fine photographic or archival elements.
• Exposure to bright and flashing lights, including continuous and strobe-based lighting systems used for high-resolution digitization.
• Occasional lifting of materials or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

Application Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Photography Portfolio*
• Reference List (3) (required)

*Note on Photography portfolio: Applicants should provide a photography portfolio showcasing proficiency in cultural heritage imaging, including preservation-quality digitization, accurate color management, effective use of advanced capture equipment, and skillful handling of rare, fragile, or unique materials.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.