Research Assistant Humanities, Arts Culture

Research Assistant for Humanities, Arts, & Culture

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences seek a detail-oriented undergraduate history student to support award-winning historian Jacqueline Jones with research for a 250th anniversary history of the Academy. The research assistant will support the historian with literature reviews, archival research, and other research tasks as needed.

Archival materials are in the Boston area, and the research assistant will have access to space in the Academy’s Cambridge headquarters as needed. To ensure data security and system compatibility, the assistant will use an Academy-provided laptop (PC) and MS Office suite to perform duties.

• 2 years of undergraduate study in history
• Experience with archival research
• Proficiency with MS Word and MS Excel
• Authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. (sponsor ships not available)

• Demonstrated ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Interest in U.S. and/or transatlantic history and institutions

• Through calendar year 2026.

Please send queries and submissions (cover letter and CV) to Robert Townsend, Director of Humanities, Arts, and Culture programs, at rtownsend.

This is a hybrid role in Cambridge, MA.

Founded in 1780, the Academy is both an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines, professions, and perspectives to address significant challenges.

The Academy membership encompasses over 6,000 members and reflects the full range of disciplines and professions: math and physical sciences, biological sciences, the social sciences, humanities and the arts, journalism, business and philanthropic leaders, educational, scientific, and cultural administrators as well as public affairs and public policy.

As a scholarly organization and research center, the Academy recognizes that diversity of thought, class, experience, sex, gender, race, physical or mental ability, age, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation is a value to uphold and is central to the mission and work of the organization. A more pluralistic staff embracing diversity of thought, approach and life experience fosters a more nuanced understanding of contemporary issues facing the nation and the world.

Working together in a climate of respect and openness models the civil discourse that is fundamental to the work of the Academy.

More information about our guiding values can be found here .