Digital Research Associate

Digital Library Federation; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Brown University’s John Carter Brown Library seeks a Digital Research Associate to research, write, and design digital publications tied to its rare collections. You will produce scholarly work on the Brown Family Business Records, focusing on eighteenth-century history and related topics, including enslavement, maritime trade, and economic history, with a remit for independent project decisions.

The role is 100% on-site, funded for one year with possible renewal for up to two years, contingent

Qualifications

• MLS or relevant discipline with 5+ years related experience; PhD preferred.
• Experience with independent research, writing, and producing digital content.
• Experience with digital publishing platforms (Scalar or Omeka) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, design, and produce digital publications related to library collections.
• Produce public-facing and scholarly work on the Brown Family Business Records and related topics.
• Make designated manuscripts available to researchers as documentary editions.

Skills

Research skills

Writing abilities

Digital publishing

Attention to detail

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Library Science or relevant discipline

PhD preferred in a relevant field

Tools

Scalar

Omeka

Job description

Job Description:

The John Carter Brown Library, located on the campus of Brown University, has one of the world’s most significant collections relating to the history of the early Americas, particularly focused on printed books, maps, and prints, as well as archival material related to the Brown family.

The JCB Digital Research Associate will research, write, design, and produce digital publications on topics relevant to the library’s collections and mission. These publications may be targeted at general, scholarly, or student audiences. In the first year, the Digital Research Associate will undertake directed research and produce public-facing and scholarly work centered on the Brown Family Business Records and histories of eighteenth-century enslavement, maritime trade, and economic history. In the second year, the associate will work to select research topics in dialog with library leadership to meet collection needs. The Digital Research Associate will have the remit to do independent decision making within the project area. In addition to secondary frameworks, the Digital Research Associate will be responsible for making designated manuscripts from the Brown Family Business Records and other collections intellectually and computationally available to researchers as documentary editions.

100% endowment funded and is for one year with the possibility of annual renewal for up to 2 years, based on satisfactory work performance and dependent upon funding.

Education and Experience

• Masters degree in Library Science or a relevant academic discipline and at least 5 years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. PhD preferred in a relevant field
• Experience conducting independent research, writing, and producing digital content.
• Experience with digital publishing platforms, such as Scalar or Omeka preferred.
• Knowledge of the eighteenth century of the Americas, and of issues of freedom, enslavement, maritime history, and/or economic history.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated knowledge of eighteenth-century English paleography and skill in working with manuscripts.
• Experience adhering to archival preservation and delicate material handling protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects.
• Strong research skills and the ability to navigate primary and secondary source materials independently.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Must be able to pivot when priorities shift or when dealing with unexpected challenges.

This position is fully on-site.

Why Brown?

Brown University is a leading research university that is distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty, and staff are driven by the idea that their work will impact the world.

Brown University offers flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break, and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts, and more.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date: 2026-08-10

Job Posting Title: Digital Research Associate

Department: John Carter Brown Library

Grade: Grade 10

Worker Type: Employee

Worker Sub-Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Position Work Location: Onsite

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.