Research Assistant II (Non-Lab), Fionn Folklore Database Project

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Fionn Folklore Database (fionnfolklore.org) provides scholars and the public unprecedented global access to one of the most important corpuses of intangible cultural heritage in the Gaelic languages: orally-recorded stories and songs pertaining to the hero Fionn mac Cumhaill.

We are seeking a Research Assistant (RA) to aid in the maintenance and expansion of the database.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The RA’s duties will include some or all of the following:  

• Translating descriptions, labels and editorial content from English to Gàidhlig or Irish
• Creating content for the website (e.g. tale and character descriptions)
• Entering data into the website
• Online library and archival research to enhance or increase records of collection events in the database
• Online biographical research to enhance records of people in the database
• Project publicity tasks such as designing brochures, giving presentations and publicizing the project on social media

This is a remote/work from home position.

The posting will remain open until filled.

Basic Qualifications:

College background or equivalent in Celtic Studies, Scottish Gaelic or Irish Language, or a related field.

Qualifications or relevant experience in Scottish Gaelic or Irish language composition and translation.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following qualifications are not required, but may be beneficial:

• Excellent literacy and written skills in Scottish Gaelic or Irish
• Very good oral and written skills in English
• Strong organizational, decision making, problem solving, time management and prioritization skills
• An ability to work with all levels of academic and professional services colleagues
• Highly motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
• Able to resolve day-to-day issues and plan workload independently
• A high level of flexibility, adaptability and resilience
• Coursework and/or past research on Fionn Cycle folklore or literature
•  
• Experience working with Irish/Scottish Gaelic place names or genealogy (e.g. census data)
• Experience creating social media content
• Experience developing and giving presentations
•  
• Website data entry experience
• Excellent IT skills and ability to learn new systems quickly

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:

In your cover letter, please include names and email addresses for two referees. Letters of reference are not required at this time.

This is a full time, 7-month term position with possibility of renewal based on available funds.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that the duties and responsibilities can effectively be performed fully remotely at a non-Harvard location. Employees in fully remote positions must work all scheduled hours in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. At the discretion of the department, fully remote employees may occasionally be required on site at a Harvard location. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.