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

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports Professor Joseph Nagy's Heroic Epic Project by locating and collecting relevant data within the Milman Parry Collection of Oral Literature and other folklore resources at Harvard University. The role involves searching through oral traditional texts in various languages, primarily Serbo-Croatian and its dialects, and transcribing and translating these materials.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Writing and reading knowledge of Serbo-Croatian language and dialects.
• Master's or PhD in Anthropology or Folklore.
• Familiarity with the holdings of the Parry Collection.

Responsibilities

• Transcribe oral performances and recordings of relevant epic texts from archival audio sources in the Parry Collection, including "side" comments from singers and interactions with collectors.
• Translate source materials from Serbo-Croatian and related dialects into English.
• Apply anthropological and folkloristic standards for translation, acknowledgment of sources, and contextualization of transcriptions/translations.
• Contribute to comparative analysis of epic, ballad, and oral narrative traditions by noting relevant ATU tale-type numbers and motifs from the Motif-Index of Folk Literature.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree