Digital Research Associate

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.

*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. 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.

Applicants must submit a cover letter and CV/resume.

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: