Harvard University · Cambridge, MA

Research Assistant II (Non-Lab), Heroic Epic Project at Harvard University — Cambridge, MA

Full-timeCambridge, MAPosted 2026-07-20Apply on SmartRecruiters
Apply at Harvard University Let Jobeezy apply

Full job description

Job Summary:

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.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Transcribe oral performances and recordings of relevant epic texts from archival audio sources available in the Parry Collection. Include 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, for acknowledgment of 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 materials examined, transcribed, and translated.

Working Conditions:

Research takes place in the libraries of Harvard University.

Basic Qualifications (required):

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Writing and reading knowledge of Serbo-Croation language and dialects is highly preferred.

Masters or PhD in Anthrology 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.

Work Format Details

Salary Grade and Ranges

Benefits

  • 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