Fellowship Research Assistant

About the role

The New York Historical is searching for a Research Assistant to assist the Revson Foundation Fellow with a biographical project related to Genevieve S. Brooks Brown. Brown, a Bronx-based housing activist and neighborhood community organizer, was primarily active in the second half of the twentieth century. The biography examines New York City housing policy, development, displacement, and the lived experience of New Yorkers from roughly the 1960s through the 1990s, drawing on archival, journalistic, and scholarly sources. Some research related to the biographical subject's childhood will also focus on rural South Carolina under Jim Crow.

Responsibilities

• Review primary source materials housed in the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library and arrange visits and support review at other research libraries.
• Perform targeted research using digital archives, academic databases, library e-resources, government documents, and other source materials, and request materials;
• Identify, catalog, and summarize relevant documents tied to the research subject;
• Follow archival handling protocols and maintain proper documentation practices;
• Locate, review, and synthesize material from historical newspapers (e.g., The New York Times, local and alternative presses, trade publications);
• Organize research findings, maintain bibliographies, and track citations accurately;
• Assist in identifying key themes, patterns, and historical context within archival materials;
• Support fact-checking and verification of historical information;
• Cookordinate with Library staff regarding access, permissions, and material requests;
• Provide administrative support to the Fellow;
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field;
• Master's degree or current enrollment in a graduate or Ph.D. program in museum studies, art history, history, library science, or related field is preferred;
• Proficient in everyday digital tools and comfortable learning new software applications;
• Understanding of basic AI concepts and tools to enhance efficiency, automate routine tasks, and support decision-making;
• Excellent organizational and writing skills, with a keen attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple research threads;
• Experience conducting historical newspaper research is preferred.

Physical Demands

This is largely a sedentary role using a computer and reviewing research documents; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stoop as necessary. The employee will walk and stand throughout the day, and travel locally to other research libraries in the NYC metro area.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected salary for this position is $28 per hour. The successful candidate will be offered a salary based on specific factors such as their individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations. The New York Historical is an Equal Opportunity Employer.