Digital Research Associate - Early Americas Manuscripts

Code4lib; Washington (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University seeks a Digital Research Associate to research, write, design, and publish digital materials that illuminate the Brown Family Business Records and eighteenth‑century history. This role is 100% on-site and provides opportunities for scholarly and public-facing publishing.

In year one you will undertake directed research and produce work for diverse audiences; in year two you will help select topics with library leadership and make manuscripts

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Library Science or a relevant discipline and at least 5 years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• PhD preferred in a relevant field.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, design, and produce digital publications on topics relevant to the library’s collections and mission.
• Publish public-facing and scholarly work centered on the Brown Family Business Records and related eighteenth‑century topics.
• In year two, help select research topics in dialogue with library leadership to meet collection needs.
• Make designated manuscripts intellectually and computationally available to researchers as documentary editions.

Skills

Research

Writing

Digital publishing

Attention to detail

Communication

Project management

Adaptability

Education

Master's degree in Library Science

PhD preferred

Tools

Scalar

Omeka

Job description

The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University seeks a Digital Research Associate to research, write, design, and publish digital materials that illuminate the Brown Family Business Records and eighteenth‑century history. This role is 100% on-site and provides opportunities for scholarly and public-facing publishing.

In year one you will undertake directed research and produce work for diverse audiences; in year two you will help select topics with library leadership and make manuscripts