Volunteer in Medical Science jobs in London

Salary: Grade 4. £32,319 - £32,998. For internal applicants, salary will be determined in accordance with the RCP pay and award policy.
Working hours: 35 hours per week. Standard working hours between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Working arrangements: The RCP operates a hybrid working model, with staff in the AMS team usually spending 10 days each month in the office. The exact working pattern for these days will be agreed with the Line Manager.
Role Profile
The Royal College of Physicians has had a library since its foundation in 1518. Built largely through donations from RCP fellows in its early centuries, its contents reflect the wide-ranging and changing interests of physicians. Today it is a nationally significant resource, with the rare book holdings complimented by modern works on the history of medicine.
As rare books and special collections librarian you will be responsible for managing the heritage library, working closely with other AMS staff, and with the education library team. You will: -
Create new catalogue records and improve existing records, according to recognised standards including RDA, DCRM(B), MeSH and LCSH.
Develop finding aids and standards relevant to the collection, including managing heritage library content on the online library management system shared with the Education library
Respond to enquiries and facilitate research visits
Support the AMS public programme, researching and delivering content for displays, events, exhibitions and related publicity
Deliver historical and architectural guided tours and contribute material relating to the collection to the tour programme

How we’ll measure your success

The success factors for the role will include:
Development of the heritage library collection in line with professional standards and RCP values
Integrated working with colleagues across all collection areas to support shared AMS objectives and goals
Delivery of collaborative working with the education library to maintain a shared cataloguing system
Delivery of your own objectives (which you’ll agree with your manager) – and your contribution to our values.

Key selection criteria
Degree or postgraduate qualification in Information Science or Librarianship
Working knowledge of Latin, sufficient to catalogue and interpret books.
Experience of collection management activities in an academic, medical, healthcare or special library
Knowledge of historical bibliography
Experience of preservation and conservation of printed collections
For more information about the role and its requirements, please view the job description downloadable and the top of this page.
Sometimes confidence can hold us back from applying for a job. However, we understand that there is no such thing as a perfect candidate. If you feel that you meet most of our selection criteria but will have areas to grow, we would welcome your application.
Our values
At the RCP we live our values everyday to ensure we create a workplace which is inclusive and respectful.
We understand that everybody plays a part and that by working to our values, we are creating an environment which best helps deliver on our mission: providing the best healthcare.
Discover more about our values by reading our Living Our Values Framework downloadable and the top of this page
Pay and benefits
Working at the RCP comes with lots of benefits designed to ensure that you feel valued and supported in your role. The benefits we offer include:
29 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
Group personal pension plan with 7% employer contribution
Interest-free season ticket loan
Life assurance
Annual pay award
Flexible working hours
Employee assistance programme – 24/7 advice and support for any work-related issues as well as any problems affecting your home life
Occupational health team – includes employment and work-related health assessments, health checks and work station assessments
Cycle to work scheme
Corporate eye care scheme
Holiday purchase scheme
Professional training and development opportunities
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Staff discounts platform – including access to instant vouchers, cashback, discount codes and Health Cash Plan.

Where you will be working
This role is based out of our London office, an iconic Grade I listed building overlooking beautiful Regent's Park in central London.
The RCP offers hybrid working. AMS staff usually spend a minimum of 10 days a month in the office. The exact working pattern for these days will be agreed with the Line Manager.
How to apply
For applicants wishing to apply, please click Apply Now to submit your CV and cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the job description.
Closing date: 30 November 2026
Interview date: 13 January 2027
If you are interested, you are welcome to discuss the role further with the Hiring Manager by emailing
Your candidate experience is extremely important to us. If you would like to discuss this role or require any reasonable adjustments for your application, please reach out to our recruitment team:

Email:
Phone: 020 3075 1649

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already significantly transforming the way we work. The RCP is excited by the prospect of AI and is committed to learning how it can be used, just like any other tool, to help us be better at our roles.
While we recognise it can be helpful in applying for jobs. To ensure we are able to fully consider your application, we ask you not to solely use AI to generate a cover letter. AI tools may help you to apply for this role, but it’s essential that you use them appropriately. Authenticity is important. We are interested in who you are, how you think, and how you communicate .
The RCP positively encourages applications for suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
The RCP is all about our people - our members, our staff, our volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. that's why welcoming and having people who represent the 21st century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients we serve is so important to us.
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