The PBMP seeks a graduate research assistant

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Graduate Research Assistant Position

Academic Year, 2014-2015

Pompeii Bibliography and Mapping Project

 

The Pompeii Bibliography and Mapping Project (PBMP) seeks a graduate research assistant for the 2014-2015 academic year. The position has funding for 38 weeks at 15 hours per week and includes benefits and curriculum fee. The PBMP is a digital humanities project, funded through the ACLS and the NEH, working to construct a robust and interwoven spatial and bibliographic resource for all levels of research on the ancient city of Pompeii. More information can be found on our website and blog: http://digitalhumanities.umass.edu/pbmp/.

The PBMP is accepting applications immediately and hopes to fill the position with the very best candidate as soon as possible. Knowledge of classical archaeology or of Pompeii specifically are not expected, but an interest in these subjects is preferred. Similarly, no previous programming or web-authoring experience is required, though familiarity with multiple software packages, basic digital tools, and/or elemental scripting environments is desired. None of these preferred experiences should deter competent, capable, and energetic applicants from applying.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The expected duties of the graduate research assistant will be to assist in the work to develop both the exhaustive bibliography of references to scholarly work on Pompeii and a complete online Geographical Information Systems map of the ancient city. Generally this work will include efforts to:

  • Maintain and expand bibliographic catalogs in Zotero.
  • Construct and elaborate bibliographic collections and exhibits in Omeka.
  • Capture and generate full-text bibliographic content.
  • Modify and create spatial data for ArcGIS / ArcGIS Online.
  • Assist in building the database and web-interface connection between the bibliographic and mapping components.
  • Supervise and direct the activities of undergraduate assistants and volunteers.
  • Liaise with university administration, faculty, librarians, and other employees on behalf of the project.

 

Requirements and Qualifications

Appropriate candidates will have some or all of the following characteristics:

  • Strong academic research capabilities with preference for familiarity with humanities and/or social science fields.
  • Knowledge of library catalogs and bibliographic platforms (e.g., Worldcat, Zotero, Omeka, Refworks).
  • Spatial acumen, in data and programs (e.g., CAD, GIS, 3D modeling, etc).
  • Experience with web-authoring platforms and programs (e.g., HTML, Dreamweaver, WordPress, blogs).
  • Exposure to scripting programs (e.g., Python).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to take initiative.

 

Applicants should send a CV and letter of interest by email to Prof. Eric Poehler (epoehler@classics.umass.edu) detailing their qualifications and interest in the position. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and interviews will be similarly scheduled. We hope to fill the position and for the graduate research assistant to begin as early as September 1st.