Historian/Documentary Editor, Joseph Smith Papers
Job Description
The Joseph Smith Papers seeks a full-time historian/documentary editor with the appropriate
academic training, research and writing skills to edit Joseph Smith?s papers. The Joseph
Smith Papers is producing a comprehensive edition of Smith?s documents featuring complete
and accurate transcripts with both textual and contextual annotation. The scope of the project
includes Smith?s correspondence, revelations, journals, historical writings, sermons, legal papers,
and other documents. Besides providing the most comprehensive record of early Latter-day
Saint history they will also provide insight into the broader religious landscape of the early
American republic.
Duties will include document analysis (research regarding textual and documentary intention,
production, transmission, and reception); composition of source notes and historical
introductions; writing of annotation to provide appropriate context and to clarify or explain
passages that are unclear or challenging; regular participation in team meetings and project
committees; and professional development.
Qualifications
PhD or doctoral candidate in history, religious studies, or related discipline. Experience in
one or more of the following areas is desirable: documentary editing, archival management,
antebellum American history, American religious history, early Mormon history. Demonstration
of excellent writing and research skills required. As the highest professional standards of
documentary editing are expected of the position, including a rigorous production schedule,
the applicant must exhibit attention to detail, efficiency, flexibility, good interpersonal
communications, and the ability to work in an academic environment that requires personal
initiative and collaborative competence. Competitive salary based on experience.
Please send letter of application, vita, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation to
Joseph Smith Papers Search, c/o Viola Knecht, Church History Library, 15 E. North Temple St.,
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1600. Applicants must also complete on-line application found at
www.ldschurch.jobs, posting 61884. Applications due by May 20.
Ben, do you have the CHL bugged? 😉
Comment by Elizabeth — April 19, 2011 @ 10:57 pm
Ha! No, just an inside informant…
Comment by Ben — April 20, 2011 @ 3:17 am
I assume that I’d have to get baptized and get a temple recommend, right?
Comment by Max — April 22, 2011 @ 2:54 am
Max: that’s the typical process, yes. 🙂
Comment by Ben — April 22, 2011 @ 4:01 am
Is being a temple-recommend holding Latter-day Saint a requirement? If so, it’s interesting that the job posting doesn’t mention that. Does the online application? Anyone know?
Comment by Christopher — April 27, 2011 @ 11:57 am
It would be good to get clarification on that and have it mentioned somewhere in the application process since it’s being advertised in a number of places including on H-Net.
Comment by Jared T — April 27, 2011 @ 12:11 pm
The online description states that candidates “[m]ust be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints currently temple worthy.”
Comment by J. Stapley — April 27, 2011 @ 12:14 pm
Thanks, J.
Comment by Christopher — April 27, 2011 @ 12:19 pm
Ah, right. Thanks, J. Should have read it more carefully.
Comment by Jared T — April 27, 2011 @ 12:21 pm