Website Harvard University
SUMMARY:
The Harvard Plate Stacks collection represents the largest collection of astronomical glass plates in the world. Central to its creation, study, and stewardship is the pivotal role of early women in astronomy and employees at Harvard. Starting in the 1870s through to the 1950s, over 146 different Women Astronomical Computers worked within the collection, making pioneering discoveries in the field of astronomy. Women like Williamina Fleming, Henrietta Swan Leavitt, and Annie Jump Cannon made monumental discoveries that form the foundations of our understanding of the Universe.
The Harvard Plate Stacks at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is looking to hire up to eight temporary part-time (No more than 14 hours a week) Curatorial Assistants. The primary role of this position will be to finish digitizing and scanning approximately 20,000 large-format astronomical glass plate photographs from the late 1800s up to the 1990s. This will be the conclusion of a monumental digitization project called DASCH: Digital Access to a Sky Century @ Harvard. Over the last decade, DASCH has digitized nearly 430,000 glass plate negatives out of nearly 600,000 glass plate negatives that are in the collection. This project has been on hiatus since 2021 and will be resuming with improved preservation and digitization standards.
Applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree will be considered first with a demonstrated interest in astronomy, the history of women, marginalized groups, photography, art, archives, or libraries. This position will train you in the handling of these historical objects, digitization, archival processing, and general collection care. Currently, enrolled undergraduate and graduate students are also encouraged to apply, as the part-time schedule only requires two to three days of work. We are seeking to create a diverse team from various backgrounds to strengthen our collective work and learn in a collaborative work environment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Curator of Astronomical Photographs, these new team members will work in shifts to retrieve, scan, and refile large 14 by 17-inch glass plate negatives. A successful applicant should be able to follow detailed instructions relating to the start-up, running, and shutdown of a custom build robotic scanner. They should also be comfortable doing the repetitive work involved in digitizing.
In addition to the digitization responsibilities of this position, employees will be assigned various curatorial projects to do alongside digitization. This can include archival processing of the historical collection, including putting material into acid-free housing, removing damaging items like staples and paper clips, and identifying different types of photographic materials to be properly stored. Current projects also include creating bibliographic resources for individual Women Astronomical Computers both in Harvard holdings and at other institutions.
Finally, for the months of August, September, and October 2023, the Harvard Plate Stacks will be opening to the public an artist installation in the historical space of the Great Refractor and Rotunda of the original Observatory, first built in 1844. This public event will run on Thursdays 4-8 pm, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 1-5 pm. Applicants are expected to work at least one of these shifts every other week, including at least 3 weekend days through its run. A Plate Stacks team member will both be the gallery attendant in the Dome of the Great Refractor and activate the artwork by advancing a slide projector and spinning a wheel. The Great Refractor is a historic space without modern air conditioning, and operating the artwork requires standing and the use of both hands in a dimly lit room.
Classification and Term:
This position is classified by Harvard as a Less Than Part-Time Temporary Position (LHTs) and is tied to a finite project. Barring any unforeseen cancellation of the project, this role is expected to end in September 2024. In March 2024, this cohort of individuals will be notified if there will be a possibility for another 12-month extension on individual bases. LHT employees are welcome to apply for other full-time or benefited part-time (20 hours a week) positions at Harvard and resign from their LHT posts if given an offer. However, Harvard’s regulations prevent LHT employees from holding any other paid positions at the University while being classified as an LHT. Their regulations also require at least an 8-month gap of Harvard employment before a previous LHT employee can accept a different LHT position.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
The Harvard Plate Stacks and the Great Refractor are in historical buildings built in 1931 and 1844, respectively. The primary location of work is located in a historical building that requires walking through small spaces, the use of spiral stairs while holding up to 40 pounds of fragile plates. Please note that the equipment and instruments used in the examination of these items emit bright and sometimes flashing lights. This position also requires the ability to stand for prolonged periods.
Additional Qualifications:
Ability to handle fragile collections, excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently with minimal supervision, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and excellent communication skills.
For all fully qualified applicants, the hourly rate starts at $20 per hour. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply even if they do not satisfy every requirement listed. Transferable skills can and will be assessed in selecting applicants.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
Applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree will be considered first with a demonstrated interest in astronomy, the history of women, marginalized groups, photography, art, archives, or libraries.
TYPICAL REQUIREMENTS:
An interest in history, archives, museums, and conservation is highly desirable.
The handling of glass plate photographs requires careful fine motor skills and fine visual skills. Physical agility and concentrated attention to ordered tasks are needed to maintain the plate selection, cleaning, scanning, and filing schedule for the coordinated team effort.
Experience working as part of a team, as well as enthusiasm and endurance to complete daily objectives in order to ensure efficient and productive digitization desired.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Resume
Cover Letter
SCHEDULE:
Applicants are expected to work either two or three shifts a week totaling to 14 paid hours. These shifts will take place between 9-5 Monday through Friday. Schedules will be regular from week to week and will accommodate other jobs and/or courses. However, other preferences will be considered as long as even staffing is achieved. Initial schedule and days will be discussed and mutually agreed upon during the interviewing and hiring process.
Please note, for the months of August, September, and October 2023, the Harvard Plate Stacks will be opening to the public an artist installation in the historical space of the Great Refractor and Rotunda of the original Observatory, first built in 1844. This public event will run on Thursdays 4-8 pm, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 1-5 pm. Applicants are expected to work at least one of these shifts every other week, including at least 3 weekend days through its run.
POSITION TYPE:
Onsite
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Unfortunately, the Harvard College Observatory does not provide visa sponsorship.
Pre-employment reference and background checks required.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
SALARY RANGE:
Starts at $20/hour
COVID-19:
The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
APPLY:
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] to apply.