Research Associate - Full-Time

Full-time Research Associate

The Institute for Spatial History Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh seeks a full-time Research Associate beginning July 1, 2025. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in history before the appointment begins.

We seek candidates who have a background in World History, spatial history, American History, and environmental history with a focus on the 20th century. Candidates should have at least 5 years of higher education administrative experience.

Job Description

· Communication\:

o Supports web, print, and social media communications.

o Manages correspondence with campus, national, and international partners.

o Coordinates stakeholder meetings and serves as the principal resource to boards and committees. Keeps stakeholders informed of the status, progress, and issues related to all programs, projects, and organizational operations.

o Manages and maintains relationships with current and potential data contributors

· Administration\:

o Supports scheduling, hiring, and personnel rules associated with the Director, ISHI staff, graduate and undergraduate student workers, and contractors.

o Schedules rooms and catering and organizes publicity for events.

o Coordinates with other offices at the university.

o Administers and reconciles the Center’s operating budget.

o Oversees reporting and budgeting for external and internal grants and contracts.

· Project Management

o Contributes to the long-term vision of ISHI and the World Historical Gazetteer, contributes to site design and planning, develops documentation and site guides, and ensures alignment between activities and project missions and with best practices for responsible data science.

o Identifies new opportunities for external and internal funding and directs or partners in grant writing; executes fundraising initiatives and tracks progress toward critical milestones

o Designs and implements communication, marketing, and outreach strategy and long-term project sustainability including intellectual property, commercial possibilities, and licensing agreements.

o Sets agendas and objectives for in-person and online events of various sizes and diverse audiences including teaching workshops, research roundtables and conferences

o Maintains an active and independent research and publication agenda focused on scholarship and dataset design for spatial history.

o Plans and independently conducts teacher workshops, meetings, and content workshops, co-supervises teams of student workers; and assists in the designs and implementation of programs and opportunities to support scholars inside and outside of Pitt working on spatial history projects through mini grants, fellowships, prizes, and other opportunities.

o Develops, implements, and conducts new initiatives such as working groups and continuing education programs for schoolteachers and designing and creating original resources such as videos and web content.

Qualifications

· Ph.D. and publication record in History

· Minimum four years’ experience as coordinator of a global history center

· Prior familiarity with the World Historical Gazetteer, experience developing and reviewing spatial history datasets, understanding of linked open data for spatial history, and facility with the Linked Pasts data format

· Experience leading workshops, meetings, and group activities and onboarding new contributors in the field of spatial history

Please apply to Talent Center by uploading a cover letter and a full curriculum vitae.

The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is committed to building and fostering a culturally diverse environment. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of a diverse community are required.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.