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Department

Library C & A - Preservation - Digitization

About the Department

Widely known as guardian of one of the largest academic library collections in North America, the University of Chicago Library is redefining its role as a provider of services within an increasingly open global knowledge ecosystem. We value open and equitable access to knowledge, freedom of speech and inquiry, and working in partnership within and beyond the UChicago community. We are creating a working environment that embraces innovation and respect and that celebrates and develops staff.
As part of the University of Chicago, we offer a wide variety of strong benefits and programs to academics and staff. From a choice of comprehensive health plan options and wellness programs, short and long-term disability insurance, continuing education opportunities including educational assistance plans, competitive retirement plans and paid time off (vacation, personal and university holidays), we're committed to providing benefits and a work environment that matters!

Job Summary

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.

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $70,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.