Job Ad: Joseph Smith Papers, Full-Time Research Assistant
By June 6, 2019
| Research Historian, Joseph Smith Papers, (Contingent)–Church History Department PURPOSES The Church History Department announces an opening for a Research Historian with the Joseph Smith Papers project. The successful candidate will assist the Joseph Smith Papers in the Publications Division of the Church History Department with historical and textual research for volumes in the Papers’ Documents series. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for someone interested in pursuing a career in history. We are looking for a motivated, energetic, and skilled individual to join our team. This is a full-time position starting in September 2019 and expected to last 12 months. RESPONSIBILITIES Duties will include research related to document analysis (textual and documentary intention, production, transmission, and reception) and contextual annotation of documents (identifications and explanations). Research will involve work in primary and secondary sources for early nineteenth-century America and early Latter-day Saint history. Work will include general assistance to volume editors. The Research Historian will work under the direction of senior Historians/Writers. QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Completion of Bachelor’s degree in history, religious studies, or other related field, preference will be given to those with master’s degrees and/or in doctoral programs in history, religious studies, or related discipline. Knowledge of and training in historical research Demonstration of excellent research and writing skills Ability to work in a scholarly and professional environment Strong organizational, time management, and verbal communication skills Organized, with an ability to prioritize time-sensitive assignments Creative and flexible Ability to work in a team, as well as independently Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Please attach a vita, a short writing sample demonstrating ability in using primary sources to form a cogent argument, and a list of three references to your application. WORTHINESS QUALIFICATION Must be an endowed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a current temple recommend. Deadline: 23 June 2019 To apply, go to careers.lds.org and search for Job Posting 236293 |
Several years ago, I worked as a TA for a class on Mormonism and the American Experience. Towards the end of the course, the professor dedicated a week for reading excerpts from recent, groundbreaking scholarship—in contrast to the classic historiography which had largely dominated the class. My assignment was to survey several books to recommend possible excerpts for an undergraduate class. When I came to On Zion’s Mount, one of the chapters I recommended was chapter two, “Brigham Young and the Famine of the Fish-Eaters.” Now, nearly ten years later, I was eager to see if my earlier enthusiasm for this chapter was justified. I am happy to report that if anything I am more enthralled with Farmer’s research, methods, and conclusions now than I was as a TA.
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