Archivists | Archives at NCBS

Archives at NCBS
History of Science in Contemporary India (HOSCI) Archives

Photo Credit: Ravi KB

Archives Description

We are a History of Science in Contemporary India (HOSCI) Archives, collecting archival material across all registers of science over the last 200 years, and from across the country. Over 400,000 processed objects across 100+ collections and 15+ languages are in various forms, ranging from paper-based manuscripts to negatives to photographs, books, fine art, audio recordings, scientific equipment, letters, and field and lab notes. The 2000-square-feet state-of-the-art, wheelchair accesible, physical centre located at NCBS includes space for research, processing, exhibitions, recording, and a leading-edge storage facility with monitors for temperature, light, humidity, air quality, water, fire, pests, and noise. The holdings include the papers of the ornithologist, Ravi Sankaran, and the molecular biologist and co-founder of NCBS, Obaid Siddiqi. They include the papers of TSG Sastry, a physicist who worked on the Thumba rocket programme, Leslie Coleman, an early 20th century agricultural scientist in Mysore state, and the renowned agricultural scientist, MS Swaminathan. The Archives hold the archival papers of a grassroots environmental movement in Wayanad, Kerala, histories of science education around Bhopal, and histories of science media through the papers of Chandita Mukherjee. The Archives is also home to hundreds of oral history interviews with individuals ranging from the renowned phenomenologist and particle physicist, Rohini Godbole, to the elephant mahout at Dudhwa National Park, Idrees Khan. Over 800 subjects find a place at the archives, from aerospace technology to LGBT activism, from molecular biology to women's health services and, of course, zoology. The Archives has one underlying philosophy—of enabling diverse stories—and operates on four broad verticals. One is to strengthen research collections and access in the history and culture of science in contemporary India. The second is to push the frontiers of research in archival sciences in India, forging intersections with scholarship in law, ethics, information theory and the semantic web, for instance. The third is to build capacity and public awareness through education, training and programming, from high school to professional practice. And the fourth: to reimagine the archives as part of the commons through vibrant public engagement. The Obaid Siddiqi Chair in the History and Culture of Science is generously supported by TNQ Foundation. And much of the work of the Archives at NCBS is supported by TNQ Foundation and Arcadia.

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ARCHIVIST at the Archives at NCBS (This is an open call for positions at various experience levels, from early career to senior archiving roles)

Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

Duration: 6 months to 1 year, based on work experience (extendable, depending on performance and mutual interest)

Job type: In-person, full time

Job Description: The candidate might hold a post-graduate degree preferably in archival methods or history from an internationally recognized institution. And/OR they will have at least 2-5 (or more, or less!) years of work experience in key archival roles at nationally recognized archives/consultancies. Through their work experience, they are expected to have demonstrated knowledge of accessioning, appraisal and archival arrangement methods. They will help conceptualise the archives policy at the Archives at NCBS for accessioning, arrangement, preservation and access to documents, in line with the guidelines of the International Council on Archives. They will develop contacts with other science institutions and national archives to continue accessioning of material. They might have some experience in public engagement with archives, and a track record of designing and delivering successful public events/projects. They will possess excellent communication and organizational skills, and be able to work independently. They are expected to be adept at the following roles. But we completely understand an applicant might not check all these boxes. So, read on, check out the questionnaire, and apply if you think you are a good fit.

- Expanding accessions at the Archives at NCBS to reflect its objectives as a public collecting centre and a history of science in contemporary India (HOSCI) archives. Work on the end-to-end archival process, from sourcing, appraising and accessioning, to arrangement, preservation and access, including access level determination of archival material (https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access).

- Applying archival standards for arrangement, description, conservation and preservation: Integrating global archival standards into the framework of the Archives at NCBS, both in the physical collections and their digital reproductions. Our current preservation and description standards are outlined at https://archives.ncbs.res.in/preservation.

- Developing and applying standards of access in line with FAIR and CARE principles.

- Supervision and coordination, both of archival accessions from across India, and potentially of staff members and interns. This will vary based on candidates’ age and experience.

- Proficiency with all things digital, and/or willingness to pick skills up. Managing and operating open source archival catalog management systems like ArchivesSpace and digital preservation management systems like DSpace. Working in coordination with a software architect in the team at the Archives at NCBS.

- Public engagement activities: As part of our archiving team, helping with work on public lecture series, exhibition space, visitor tours, seminars and workshops, social media and email communication from the Archives at NCBS, as needed.

- Demonstrated ability and willingness to present research work on archival sciences to peers and the public.

Our goal is to bring in collections that help to build a rich picture of the history and culture of science, and this includes diverse voices across gender, class, caste, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age, region, and more. There is no manual for this, and it is a work in progress -- it requires us to constantly learn, unlearn, acknowledge our errors and biases, and work hard to achieve this, even as we may fail in some aspects. Tied to this, we are also committed to building inclusive access to these collections, to make them available to people of varied backgrounds. We believe this can only happen with a diverse team, and extends to a commitment to providing opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of their background. We hope to offer an inclusive workplace in which our new colleagues will share these commitments and work with us to build an inclusive archive.

Accessibility and Physical Demands

Includes seated work with frequent use of a computer for extended periods. Required to handle delicate archival materials carefully and will have to lift and carry boxes up to 5 kilos. Includes prolonged periods of examining documents and repetitive data entry tasks.

Work conditions involve a climate-controlled, indoor environment to preserve materials. They may encounter dust and mold, necessitating the use of personal protective equipment like masks and gloves.

Relevant links for Archives at NCBS:

Access guidelines: https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access/

Catalogue entry: https://catalogue.archives.ncbs.res.in/

Featured collections: https://archives.ncbs.res.in/featured-collections/

Application Process:
(a) All interested applicants should apply through this online questionnaire before the submission deadline: https://bit.ly/ancbs-hosci-q26
(b) Those selected from this questionnaire will be asked to make time for a 45-minute interview slot (in person or Zoom).
(c) Final short-listed candidates will be required to provide names of two relevant referees who will be contacted as a final step in the process.

Compensation:
This is an open call for archivists across experience levels. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and skills. We aim to be competitive.

Contact Information: archives@ncbs.res.in

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ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVIST at the Archives at NCBS

Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

Duration: 6 months to 1 year, based on work experience (extendable, depending on performance and mutual interest)

Job type: In-person, full time

Job Description: The candidate might hold a post-graduate degree preferably in archival methods or history from an internationally recognized institution. And/Or they will have at least 2 years of work experience in the field of oral history, conducting, processing and preserving oral history interviews. Through their work experience, they are expected to have demonstrated knowledge of the discipline and methods of oral history, experience with conducting and processing oral history interviews, and to be familiar with discussions around ethics and consent with regard to oral history interviews. They will possess excellent communication and organizational skills, a willingness to engage with theory and learn new skills where required, and be able to work independently. They will develop oral history interview projects at the Archives at NCBS to reflect its objectives as a public collecting centre for the history and culture of science in contemporary India, and work on the end-to-end process, from conducting interviews to preparing them for public access and long term storage.

Work might involve

- Expanding accessions at the Archives at NCBS to reflect its objectives as a public collecting centre and a history of science in contemporary India (HOSCI) archives. End-to-end archival process, from ideating; preparing for and conducting oral history interviews; discussing and obtaining consent from interviewees at multiple stages; processing interviews (recent as well as older backlogs at the archives), including creating summaries and metadata; reviewing interviews for sensitivity, and determining access levels for archival material (https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access).

- Applying archival standards for arrangement, description, and preservation: Integrating global archival standards into the framework of the Archives at NCBS for oral histories. Preparing interviews for public access through the Archives at NCBS’ online catalogue as well as long term storage.

- Interviewing as well preparing catalogues and summaries in languages other than English. Proficiency in multiple Indian languages is a big plus.

- Developing and applying standards of access in line with FAIR and CARE principles.

- Demonstrated ability and willingness to present research work on archival sciences to peers and the public.

Our goal is to bring in oral history interviews that help to build a rich picture of the history and culture of science, and this includes diverse voices across gender, class, caste, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age, region, and more. There is no manual for this, and it is a work in progress -- it requires us to constantly learn, unlearn, acknowledge our errors and biases, and work hard to achieve this, even as we may fail in some aspects. Tied to this, we are also committed to building inclusive access to these interviews, to make them available to people of varied backgrounds. We believe this can only happen with a diverse team, and extends to a commitment to providing opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of their background. We hope to offer an inclusive workplace in which our new colleagues will share these commitments and work with us to build an inclusive archive.

Accessibility and Physical Demands

Includes seated work with frequent use of a computer for extended periods. Interviews may require occasional travel.

Relevant links for Archives at NCBS:

Access guidelines: https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access/

Catalogue entry: https://catalogue.archives.ncbs.res.in/

Featured collections: https://archives.ncbs.res.in/featured-collections/

Compensation:
Commensurate with experience and skills. We aim to be competitive.

Contact Information: archives@ncbs.res.in

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PAST POSITIONS

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Public Engagement at the Archives at NCBS
Are you interested in helping us get the word out for the Archives at NCBS? What blue sky ideas and visions might you have for repositioning the archive as a public physical and virtual space? Do keep in mind that work in public engagement would also include the following baseline activities:
- Creating lively social media engagement that sparks public conversation (currently on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)
- Managing and hosting public events, including an ongoing lecture series and giving tours of the archives exhibition space.
- Creating one new avenue to make archival material accessible, likely in the form of a newsletter
- Curating content from the archives for merchandise: T-shirts, postcards, bookmarks, anything else.
- Liaison with local schools and colleges, including conducting tours

When: Jan 2023-March 2023
Duration: 3 months (flexible)
Where: In-person at NCBS in Bangalore
Submission deadline: November 20, 2022

Application Process:
(a) All interested applicants should apply through this online questionnaire before the submission deadline: https://bit.ly/archives-ncbs-public-engagement
(b) Those selected from this questionnaire will be asked to make time for a 45-minute interview slot (in person or Zoom).
(c) Final short-listed candidates provide names of two relevant referees who might be contacted as a final step in the process.

Compensation: Rs 50,000 per month (negotiable based on qualifications and experience)
Contact: archives at ncbs dot res dot in

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UPDATE: Nov 10 2022: These positions are now filled.

We are putting out a call for an experimental 3-4 month residency at the Archives at NCBS. We see archives as vibrant spaces that can engage with people from different disciplines. And we want to hear from you -- writers, techies, artists, curators, academics, lawyers, teachers, some other profession that better fits you! Tell us how you may want to build, interrogate or use archives.

When: ~November 2022 to March 2023.
Duration: 3 - 5 months
Where: In-person at NCBS in Bangalore, but some remote work is possible.

First Submission Deadline: Oct 23 2022

Second submission deadline (in case we don't fill positions): Oct 30 2022

Application Process:
(a) All interested applicants should apply through this online questionnaire: https://bit.ly/archives-ncbs-residency
(b) Those selected from this questionnaire will be asked to make time for a 45-minute interview slot (in person or Zoom).
(c) Final short-listed candidates will be required to provide names of two relevant referees who will be contacted as a final step in the process.

Compensation: Total of Rs 1.5 - 2.5 lakhs for the duration of the residency, distributed through monthly pay.

Contact: archives at ncbs dot res dot in

Scope: We would like to leave this open and hear about your vision. But here are some ideas and residencies we are keen about:

1. Public engagement for the Archives at NCBS: Reimagine public engagement! Have ideas for newsletters? Can you bring out nuanced critique of the archive itself? Can you write or communicate using material from the archive? How about an attempt at a podcast series? For this stint, what blue sky ideas and visions might you have for repositioning the archive as a public physical and virtual space?

2. Tech and things digital and open source: Want to tinker with developing code toward a prototype for annotating archival objects? Or play with a new https://www.wikibase.cloud/ module? How about the architecture for an online platform for digital objects and catalogues?

3. Conservation: We are gearing up to set up a conservation lab. Want in? Have ideas on how to take it forward? How about defining conservation protocols and working on non-toxic treatment methods, and anoxic chambers?

4. Oral History Projects

5. Curatorial Research

6. Curriculum development using archives, and toward understanding archives.

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Position: Archivist. Archives at NCBS (This is an open call for positions at various experience levels)

UPDATE: Oct 10 2022: The archivist positions are filled for 2022-23. But if you are still interested in being in touch, do fill up the form below and we will contact you in the future.

Duration: 6 months, 1 year (both extendable to multiple years, depending on specific position and mutual interest)

Job Description: The candidate might hold a post-graduate degree preferably in archival methods or history from an internationally recognized institution. And/OR they will have at least 2-5 (or more or less!) years of work experience in key archival roles at nationally recognized archives/consultancies. Through their work experience, they are expected to have demonstrated knowledge of accessioning, appraisal and archival arrangement methods, in addition to work on oral history collections. They might have some experience in public engagement with archives, and a track record of designing and delivering successful public events/projects. They will possess excellent communication and organizational skills. They are expected to be adept at the following roles. But we completely understand an applicant might not check all these boxes. So, you know what, just read on, check out the questionnaire. And apply if you think you are a good fit, or have better ideas on what this centre should be doing.

•   Expanding accessions at the Archives at NCBS to reflect its objectives as a public collecting centre for the history of science in contemporary India. Manage the end-to-end archival process, from sourcing, appraising and accessioning, to arrangement, preservation and access.
•   Applying archival standards for arrangement, description, conservation and preservation: Integrating global archival standards into the framework of the Archives at NCBS, both in the physical collections and their digital reproductions.
•   Developing and applying transparent standards of access.
•   Supervision and coordination, both of archival accessions from across India, and of 1-2 staff members and interns.
•   Manage and conduct oral history interviews as part of the process of collecting tangible archival material.
•   Proficiency with all things digital, and/or willingness to pick skills up. Manage and operate open source archival catalog management systems like ArchivesSpace and AtoM and digital preservation management systems like Archivematica. Work in coordination with a software architect in the team at the Archives at NCBS.
•   Public engagement activities of Archives at NCBS: As part of team at NCBS, coordinate public lecture series, exhibition space, visitor tours, seminars and workshops. Coordinate (and operate/delegate) social media and email communication from the Archives at NCBS.
•   Demonstrated ability and willingness to present research work to peers and the public.

Application Process:
(a) All interested applicants should apply through this online questionnaire: https://bit.ly/archives-ncbs-questionnaire
(b) Those selected from this questionnaire will be asked to make time for a 45-minute interview slot (in person or Zoom).
(c) Final short-listed candidates will be required to provide names of two relevant referees who will be contacted as a final step in the process.

Compensation:
Negotiable. Commensurate with experience and skills. We aim to be competitive.

Deadlines:
Rolling (This announcement was first made on Sep 10 2022. First review after Sep 18 2022, 11:59PM IST. And then every week thereafter. The website will be updated when the positions are filled).

Contact Information: https://archives.ncbs.res.in/contact