Digital & Public Humanities Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance digital and public humanities research and programming in residence. The role contributes to the Hall Center and KU's Institute for Digital Research in the Humanities (IDRH) through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects.

Responsibilities include conducting a substantial publishable project, participating in IDRH activities, and helping organize DH programming while pursuing

Qualifications

• PhD in a humanities discipline or within six months of hire.
• Two years of experience in interdisciplinary humanities environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication evidenced in materials.
• Experience with Digital Humanities theory or methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on a substantial, publishable digital/public humanities project.
• Attend lectures, seminars, and participate in IDRH activities.
• Present research at conferences and publish findings.
• Assist with IDRH programming and community outreach.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Digital Humanities knowledge

Project management

Education

PhD in humanities discipline

Job description

Position Overview

The Hall Center for the Humanities, one of eleven designated research centers at the University of Kansas and the only research center on campus dedicated to promoting humanities scholarship, is searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher to engage in digital and public humanities research and programming. Recognized as an international, collaborative research center focused on the humanities, the Hall Center provides an intellectual hub for scholars and students in the Humanities, Arts, and humanistic Social Sciences; it fosters interdisciplinary conversation across the university and globally. Through its public programming, the Hall Center makes visible the significance and continued relevance of Humanities research, engaging communities across the state in dialogue about local, national, and global issues that Humanities research illuminates.

The Digital and Public Humanities Postdoctoral Researcher will become an integral part of the Hall Center's scholarly community, attending lectures and seminars and occasionally assisting the Director of the Hall Center with programming and initiatives. The successful candidate will also be actively involved with KU's Institute for Digital Research in the Humanities (IDRH). IDRH duties involve serving as a core member of the team that plans and carries out IDRH programs and activities, such as DH workshops, the DH Fellows Program, the Scholars Program, and community outreach.

This assortment of collaborative tasks will provide the postdoctoral fellow with valuable experience in project management and an opportunity to participate in the substantive intellectual work of the Hall Center and IDRH while pursuing their own DH research. The position is a limited-term appointment from August 2027 through June 2029.

The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a welcoming environment in which the dignity and rights of the individual are respected. Integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance. The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.

KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States and is located 40 miles west of Kansas City and 30 miles east of Topeka, the state capitol.

Job Description

50% - Research

• Conduct research on a substantial, publishable project in either the digital or public humanities while in residence at the Hall Center.


• Participate in the Hall Center's intellectual environment by attending seminars, colloquia, and other relevant scholarly development programs.


• Present on research at conferences of national or international status.


• Publish research works.

40% - IDRH Programming and Administration

• To be determined in consultation and collaboration with IDRH staff; may include activities such as:
  
  
  
  • Design and implement IDRH workshops each semester and/or help establish an overarching training program for Digital Humanities/DH skills (for undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty).
  
  
  • Develop instructional materials for a range of DH activities (methods, platforms, etc.).
  
  
  • Coordinate particular IDRH initiatives, such as the DH Fellows Program, opportunities to facilitate interactions with faculty and graduate students.
  
  
  • Consulting with KU researchers on digital projects, digital platforms, and the field of digital humanities.
  
  
  • Community outreach, which can include graduate students as well as institutions beyond KU, such as regional museums, libraries, and other public groups.
  
  
  
  

10% - Other

• Other duties as assigned after consultation with the Hall Center Director (e.g., mentoring Undergraduate Fellows, assisting with grant proposals, attending Hall Center lectures).

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in a Humanities discipline in hand or conferred within six months from the date of hire.


2. Two years of experience working in interdisciplinary humanities environments, in a scholarly, teaching, or research capacity (e.g. cross-disciplinary coursework, research methodology in past projects, or work in an administrative capacity at an institution of higher education, museum, or library).


3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as evidenced by application materials.


4. Experience with, or demonstrated knowledge of, theory and/or methods in the Digital Humanities as evidenced by application materials.

To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand. Appointments made without a certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an Acting basis not to exceed 6-months. Appointment duration will be extended upon final verification of degree. This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated experience with a wide range of digital tools, methods, and platforms.


2. Demonstrated experience with academic project planning, management, or consultative services.


3. Demonstrated organizational skills and experience taking initiative and setting and meeting deadlines as evidenced by application materials.


4. Interpersonal skills and experience working in a collaborative/team environment as demonstrated by application materials.


5. Demonstrated experience with community outreach.

Advertised Salary Range

$62,000

Anticipated Start Date

Monday August 16, 2027