Research Associate III, The Harry Ransom Center

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate III, The Harry Ransom Center

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Hiring Department:

Harry Ransom Center

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Jun 01, 2026

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

About the Harry Ransom Center: 

The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. Its extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. Visitors engage with the Center's collections through research and study, exhibitions, publications, and a rich variety of program offerings including readings, talks, symposia, and film screenings.

The Ransom Center encourages discovery, inspires creativity, and advances understanding of the humanities for a broad audience through the preservation and sharing of its extraordinary collections.

Purpose

Provides research support for on and offsite patron services in all collections, with a primary focus on Literature, History, Photography, Cultural studies, or other Humanities-related fields. Participates in developing and implementing policies and procedures for reference and research services. Performs other functions as needed in support of patron research, patron services, instructional services, and collection interpretation. 

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Head of Reference Services, provides research assistance to and answers reference questions from remote and local library patrons regarding all collections. Shares responsibility for handling photoduplication and permission requests for these specific collections.
• Collects and compiles circulation and collection use data, analyzes data and prepares reports. Collaborates with Ransom Center instructional, curatorial, conservation, and research services staff along with University faculty to design and deliver student-centered instructional sessions prioritizing active learning strategies.
• Provides circulation, reference and research assistance to faculty, scholars and fellows, and students for all collections but with a special focus on literature holdings. Serves at the Reading Room circulation, reference, and reception desks, including some Saturdays. Works with curatorial, conservation, and cataloging staff to ensure the highest standards of collection care.
• Participates in Ransom Center committee activities as requested, including evaluating collections and library acquisitions.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree with coursework in humanities, performing arts, art history, or film. Two years of experience.
• Experience in literary, archival, or special collections research.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral presentations.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or coursework in library or information science, or in a discipline aligned with the Ransom Center's major collection strengths.
• Three years experience in archives or special collections public services. Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages.

Salary Range

• $47,000.00+ dependent upon qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Lifting and moving

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

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