The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the center of a world-class liberal arts education at Stanford University. H&S encompasses 23 departments—from Art and Art History, English, and History to Economics, Mathematics, and Biology—as well as 23 interdisciplinary programs. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

The Martin Luther King, Jr., Papers Project publishes The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr., the definitive edition of King’s most historically significant speeches, sermons, correspondence, and unpublished manuscripts.

The Project seeks a full-time research assistant to support and facilitate the publication of the documentary editions of the King Papers by: (1) conducting research necessary to prepare document annotations, a chronology of King’s activities, and the introductory essay for the manuscript of each volume, including but not limited to biographical, organizational, and microfilm-based research; (2) verification of accuracy of document transcriptions; (3) editing and proofreading the manuscript; (4) sorting incoming documents according to historical significance and priority for cataloguing; (5) acquiring documents for possible publication; (6) obtaining copyright permission agreements to publish documents and photographs in the volumes of King’s papers; (7) assisting in the compilation of the calendar of documents; (8) working with editors to ensure accuracy of web-based materials.

The position also includes working with the other research assistants to recruit, train, and coordinate student researchers; to help plan and implement the summer internship program; to assist in verification of data entry in the web-accessible database of King-authored and other historically relevant documents; process audio/visual materials for Project’s web-accessible database, including digitizing of audio/visual and print material for web access; to participate in planning Project events such as the annual King Holiday commemoration; and to carry out public relations tasks, including responding to outside research requests.

This is a 100% FTE, two-year fixed term position. Up to two positions are available.

Your responsibilities include*:

• Plan and perform research tasks of limited complexity requiring initiative and judgment in applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory when precedents do not provide specific guidance; general instruction is provided by the supervisor.
• Extract data and structured information from published literature and other sources.
• Assist in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, seeking guidance where necessary, and auditing the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases.
• Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries, requiring preliminary judgments after conceptual approach is outlined by the supervisor.
• Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or faculty; use common statistical programs, requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
• Help orient and train new staff or students as needed.
• Assist with development and design of outreach materials and tools for recruitment, educational, or awareness programs with guidance from supervisor.
• Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor (principal investigator or faculty).
• Present research finding to internal audiences, including peers, co-workers, and managers.
• Administer questionnaires and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine scoring procedures.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.
• General understanding of scientific theory and methods. General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with human study participants.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

Two year commitment and strong educational background in recent African American history, especially the civil rights movement, is preferred.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How to Apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. Your one-page cover letter should briefly describe your educational and research qualifications for the position, how this position fits within your future plans, and examples of your attention to detail, organizational, and communication skills.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4189
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: E
• Requisition ID: 88328