Non-Academic Vacancies

Welcome to our Non-Academic Vacancies page.

Here, you can explore a variety of opportunities to contribute to the vital operations of Magdalene College. From administrative roles to support in facilities, student services, and beyond, we offer positions that play an essential part in maintaining a thriving College community.

Application Forms

Application Forms are available at the bottom of this page. Completed forms should be returned by email to hr@magd.cam.ac.uk or by mail to HR Department, Magdalene College, Cambridge CB3 0AG.

Graduate Trainee Librarian

Full time (36.25 hours per week)
£24,736 per annum

Magdalene is one of the older and smaller Cambridge colleges (c.350 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates), but still covers the full tripos (all academic subjects). The department includes the award-winning New Library, which opened in 2022 and also houses the Archive and a Gallery, as well as the College’s historic Old Library and the Pepys Library.

The Graduate Trainee Librarian will join a small, friendly team in the College Library. This is a fixed-term post, lasting one year, which offers the opportunity to gain experience of working in an academic library, and it is an entry-level role into the career of librarianship (or related information services). As this is a training post, it is aimed at people who are seeking to gain experience in the profession and who are considering a career in library and information services, rather than those who already have extensive library experience or a library qualification.

The trainee will mainly provide assistance in a range of day-to-day tasks and project work in the College Library and will make an important contribution to the ongoing work of the library and its development. To gain broader experience, there will also be opportunities to contribute to routine and project work in the College’s historic libraries and Archive, and a chance to develop a trainee project tailored to the individual’s interests. There will also be dedicated time for professional development as part of the Cambridge Libraries trainee group.

The position is full-time, 36.25 hours a week, and attracts a salary of £24,736 per annum (with cost of living rise tbc) and excellent benefits including:

• contributory pension scheme
• free lunch when in College
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• the use of sports facilities

To apply, please complete the application forms and return them to the HR Department. CVs, Cover letters or any additional documentation will not be accepted.

You are welcome to contact us before applying if you have further questions. Please contact the Student Services Librarian, Ms Lauran Richards, at lr463@cam.ac.uk or the HR team at hr@magd.cam.ac.uk. 

Closing date: 12 pm, Friday 12 June 2026
Interviews: Monday 29 June 2026

Head of Finance and College Accountant

Full time (37.5 hours per week)
£68,617-£72,830 p.a. subject to qualifications and experience

The College is looking to appoint to the role of Head of Finance and College Accountant. Reporting to the Senior Bursar, this key senior role provides a full range of financial services to the College. Working with and leading the College finance team to deliver statutory and management accounts and other financial information. The post holder will ensure financial systems and controls are effective and efficient. They will also support the Senior Bursar in developing the College financial strategy.

Supporting the Senior Bursar, the post holder will be responsible for all elements of financial planning, reporting, compliance as well as line management of the finance team (eight people).

The post holder should have: a recognised accountancy qualification with at least 5 years post-qualification experience; experience and understanding of the production of statutory accounts in the charity sector; experience of the preparation of subsidiary statutory accounts; advanced Excel skills and experience of line management. The post holder should also be able to work well with budget holders and have effective communication skills.

The position is full-time, 37.5 hours a week, with a salary range of £68,617-£72,830 p.a. (points 77-81 Magdalene pay scale, pay award pending), subject to qualifications and experience.  

Excellent benefits include:

• free lunch when in College 
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Group Life Assurance
• Help@hand Portal, where you can access remote GP appointments, medical second opinions, savings and discounts, financial support and much more
• Wellbeing classes such as pilates and yoga.
• Flu jabs.
• College pension contributions of up to 12%.
• the use of sports facilities 

To apply, please complete an application form and return it to the HR Department. 

Closing date: 9 am, Monday 15 June 2026
Interviews: 6 July 2026

Assistant Librarian

1-Year Fixed Term Contract
Full time: 36.25 hours per week
£30,116 per annum

The College is looking to appoint an Assistant Librarian who will join a small friendly team in the College Library. They will support the Student Services Librarian in the day-to-day running of the College Library, deputise in their absence, and assist with supervision of the Graduate Trainee Librarian. The department includes the award-winning New Library, which opened in 2022 and also houses the Archive and a Gallery, as well as the College’s historic Old Library and the Pepys Library.

This is a fixed-term maternity cover post, lasting one year or until the return of the postholder. As this is a fixed-term position, this role would be suited to a professional librarian with previous experience of a variety of library duties which are encompassed in this role, and who is willing to try new ideas to develop our library services. Consideration will be given to candidates close to completing a relevant postgraduate qualification.

The post holder would need to be able to start in August or September 2026. The position is full-time, 36.25 hours a week, and attracts a salary of up to £30,116 per annum (with cost-of-living rise tbc) and excellent benefits including:

• Group Life Assurance.
• Help@hand Portal where you can access remote GP appointments, medical second opinions, savings and discounts, financial support and much more.
• Wellbeing classes such as pilates and yoga.
• Flu jabs.
• College pension contributions of up to 12%.
• Eye tests with Specsavers.

To apply, please complete both application forms and return them to the HR department. CVs, Cover letters or any additional documentation will not be accepted.

You are welcome to contact us before applying if you have further enquiries. We would recommend emailing in the first instance, either Ms Aishah Olubaji, ao570@cam.ac.uk or the HR team hr@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Closing date: by end of day, Friday 26 June 2026
Interviews: Week of 13 July 2026

Guidance for applicants

• Please download and complete both application forms and return to hr@magd.cam.ac.uk. Our postal address is: HR Department, Magdalene College, Magdalene Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AG.
• Please fill in all the sections of the form, there is no need to add a CV.
• At interview we may ask to check proof of qualifications detailed in the job description and proof of your right to work in the UK.
• If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the HR Department on hr@magd.cam.ac.uk, who will be happy to help.

Please note: The College reserves the right to close vacancy applications before any stated closing date.