Archive Mission – 16-month consultancy contract

The BIPM seeks a Consultant to run an Archives Project:

  • Department/Service: Director's Office
  • Deadline for applications: 6 August 2026 (23h59 Paris time)
  • Starting date: 1 September 2026
  • Contract: 16-month consultancy contract - Part-time on-site presence basis, in Sèvres (Paris suburb)

The archives of the BIPM consist of:

  • Approximately 1 000 linear metres of historical documents, comprising primarily scientific manuscripts, correspondence, technical studies, laboratory notebooks and calibration certificates;
  • 1 000 linear metres of so-called secondary sources.

The archival project aims to deliver several key benefits to the BIPM:

  • Preservation of the institutional heritage;
  • Improved access to information;
  • Support for Member States;
  • Support for communication and outreach;
  • Promotion of the BIPM's history;
  • Strengthened institutional knowledge;
  • Support the development of an image database library.

Principal duties & responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Director’s Office, who is responsible for the Archives of the BIPM, the consultant will in particular:

  • Contribute to the completion of the archive’s conservation and preservation project:
    • Complete the rehousing and preservation reconditioning of the historical archives;
    • Digitize critical documents that are at risk of becoming unreadable in the coming years;
    • Digitize, catalogue, and rehouse the 1 400 glass plates and photographs that make up the BIPM's photographic and iconographic collection.
  • Conduct research and support a range of institutional activities:
    • Provide archival documents and information to representatives of Member States and Associate States upon request to answer regular queries;
    • Identify archive material for BIPM Departments (original MoUs, Agreements, etc);
    • Develop content and conduct historical research to support BIPM communication activities;
    • Identify and assemble archival materials to support communication and outreach initiatives related to current BIPM activities and milestones, such as the centenary celebrations of the Consultative Committee for Electricity and Magnetism (CCEM), the 30th anniversary of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement and other commemorative events;
    • Enhance the value of some correspondence such as online publishing with transcriptions and explanatory studies.

Professional background, Skills and Competencies

  • PhD candidates in the history of science and technology with a particular interest in the history of the metric system and metrology.
  • Background in archaeology and preventive conservation.
  • Able to work independently with archival collections and private holdings.
  • Excellent knowledge of English and French, other languages appreciated.

Conditions

  • Consultancy contract for 16 months (September 2026-December 2027).
  • 1 500 euros / month.
  • Presence on a part-time basis.
  • The consultant shall not at any time be considered as a staff member of the BIPM.

Applications

The BIPM encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender.

Informal enquiries can, in the first instance, be made directly to the Head of the Director’s Office, Dr Céline Fellag Ariouet (cfellag(a)bipm.org).

A full curriculum vitae (CV), a covering letter (in English or French), and the name of two referees should be sent no later than 23h59 Paris time on 6 August 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. They may be invited to take part in a remote interview as part of the selection process. The selection process may be modified.

 The BIPM retains the discretion not to make any contract for this consultancy opportunity, to make a contract with a modified job description, or to offer a contract term for a shorter duration than the one indicated in this consultancy opportunity.

 

Back to the Opportunities at the BIPM

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