Digital Research Associate

Brown University; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

Wellness program

Employee discounts

Job summary

Brown University’s John Carter Brown Library seeks a Digital Research Associate to research, write, design, and publish digital works tied to the library’s collections.

In year one, focus on Brown Family Business Records and histories of eighteenth-century enslavement, maritime trade, and economic history; year two shifts to solo projects in dialogue with library leadership.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Library Science or related discipline with 5+ years experience preferred.
• Experience conducting independent research and producing digital content.
• Knowledge of eighteenth-century Americas and related archival materials.
• Experience with digital publishing platforms such as Scalar or Omeka.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, design, and produce digital publications linked to library collections.
• Center work on Brown Family Business Records and histories of 18th-century enslavement and trade.
• Publish both public-facing and scholarly content; manage project scope with library leadership.

Skills

Research skills

Written communication

Project management

Critical thinking

Education

Masters degree in Library Science

Relevant MA/PhD preferred

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. This position is 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.

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. Read more about the benefits of working at Brown here. 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 the 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.

Submission Guidelines

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. Still Have Questions? If you have any questions you may contact [e-mail]. Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

E-Verify Employer. EEO Statement:

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.

Welcome!

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Additional Information

Additional Information: You can find detailed information about our salary ranges on our website.

Questions Submitting Your Application

If you have questions about submitting your application, please contact [e-mail].