Vacancies at the Portico

Interim Collections Librarian

The Portico Library is seeking an Interim Collections Librarian to help care for and share our nationally significant collection of more than 25,000 rare books, archives and manuscripts.

These materials reflect the intellectual interests of Manchester’s Georgian and Victorian citizens and continue to inform the Library’s exhibitions, research activity, learning programmes and public events today.

The successful candidate will help oversee the day-to-day care, documentation and access to the Portico’s rare books and archives, while supporting exhibitions, research access and public engagement.

The role comes at an exciting time for the organisation as we progress Portico Reunited, our £11 million project to reunite and restore the Grade II* listed building and secure the long-term future of the Library and its collections. The project is currently in its Development Phase, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This is a hands-on role combining collections stewardship with public engagement and collaboration across the Portico team.

Key details

Salary: £32,000 per annum (pro rata)
Contract: 10-month fixed term
Hours: 17.5–21 hours per week (0.5–0.6 FTE)
Location: The Portico Library, Manchester city centre

Application deadline: 5pm, Monday 13 April 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 22 April 2026

Full details and application information can be found in the candidate pack below.