Research Assistant II; Non-Lab), Heroic Epic Project

Company Description

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.

Locating and collecting relevant data in the Milman Parry Collection of Oral Literature and other folklore resources in the Harvard library system. Works under the guidance of Prof. Joseph Nagy for his Heroic Epic Project. Successful candidate will be searching through oral traditional texts in a variety of languages, such as Serbo‑Croatian and its dialects.

• Transcribe oral performances and recordings of relevant epic texts from archival audio sources available in the Parry Collection, including any “side” comments made by the singers and comments made or questions posed by the collectors and assistants.
• Translate source materials from Serbo‑Croatian and related dialects into English.
• Apply anthropological and folkloristic standards for translation of materials collected in fieldwork, acknowledge sources and collaborators, provide necessary social and cultural contextualization of transcriptions/translation, and contribute to comparative analysis of epic, ballad, and oral narrative traditions by noting any relevant ATU tale‑type numbers and motifs as listed in the Motif‑Index of Folk Literature in the collection material examined, transcribed, and translated.

Research takes place in the libraries of Harvard University.

• College background in Anthropology, Folklore, or related research.
• Two years of relevant work experience.

• Writing and reading knowledge of Serbo‑Croatian language and dialects is highly preferred.
• Masters or PhD in Anthropology or Folklore is preferred.
• Familiarity with the holdings of the Parry Collection is preferred.

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

This is a part‑time, 6‑month term position with possibility of renewal based on available funds.

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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

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.

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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.