Puerto Rican and US History Research Assistant at Whitman College

Whitman College; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Whitman College in Washington state seeks a Puerto Rican and US History Research Assistant to support Prof. Lund-Montaño's archival project. The role involves reviewing newspaper and archival documents, identifying keywords, and building a thematic database.

The position offers hands-on experience in digital archival research, data organization, and scholarly writing, with opportunities to communicate findings by email, shared documents, and occasional in-person meetings.

Qualifications

• Must be a first-year Whitman College student.
• Ability to read and analyze newspaper articles and archival materials.
• Spanish reading proficiency required.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel, and Google Docs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review newspaper and archival digital files, skim and search for keywords.
• Organize and catalog PDFs and images.
• Enter information into a shared spreadsheet and database.
• Search databases for events and people; compile findings.
• Communicate with Prof. Lund-Montaño via email, shared docs, and in-person meetings.

Skills

Spanish reading

Microsoft Word/Excel/Google Docs

Research methods training

Written & verbal communication

Independent work

Attention to detail

Meeting deadlines

Education

Whitman College first-year student

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Google Docs

Job description

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Puerto Rican and US History Research Assistant

JOB TITLE:Puerto Rican and US History Archival Data Analysis
PAY RANGE:$17.13/hour to $17.13/hour
START DATE:October 16, 2026

JOB PURPOSE
The student research assistant will support Prof. Lund-Montaño's research project on the history of Puerto Rican social movements and solidarity networks. The research assistant will review archival documents, search for specific information and keywords, and compile and organize a thematic database.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Review extensive newspaper and archival digital files, skimming and conducting specific word searches
• Organize and catalog PDF files and images
• Enter information into a shared spreadsheet and database
• Search through additional newspaper databases for specific events and people
• Communicate with Prof. Lund-Montaño via email, shared documents, and through occasional in-person meetings

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they possess the following:

• Ability to read, skim, and analyze newspaper articles, pamphlets, correspondence, and organizational memoranda;
• Ability to read proficiently in Spanish;
• Research methods training (preferably having taken HIST 299);
• Ability to work with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Google Docs;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work independently, follow instructions, ask questions as needed, and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY STUDENTS IN THIS JOB:
The research assistant will gain experience working on an academic research project, particularly developing digital archival research skills, as well as organizing and cataloging documents, collecting data, and entering data. The research assistant will also gain experience in written and verbal communication, as well as analytical and critical-thinking skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least a first-year student currently enrolled at Whitman College.