Research Associate, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, MA

Posted December 4, 2017

SUMMARY
The Mary Baker Eddy Library is a trusted and authoritative resource on Eddy and the history of the Christian Science movement, providing public access to original materials and educational experiences about Eddy, the ideas she advanced, her writings, and the institutions she founded and their healing mission.

As a member of the Research & Reference Services staff, the Research Associate works as part of the Library’s research team to provide assistance to individuals interested in the collections of The Mary Baker Eddy Library. The research team handles queries from all over the world, numbering in the thousands– posed by email and phone, as well as in person. Patrons include distinguished scholars as well as the general public. An important component of the work is fulfilling the historical information needs, large and small, of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, including The Christian Science Publishing Society. Collections the Research staff uses are primarily documentary in nature, and include special collections focused on Eddy, her life and times, as well as the organizational archives of the Church. 

ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
As a member of the Research team, the Research Associate responds to internal and external inquirers. This includes responding to emails and phone messages from patrons, and assisting those who visit the Library’s Research Room. Answering queries involves conducting historical research in the archival collections, published materials, and various databases.

Regular duties include:

• Staffing public research spaces 
• Providing one-on-one research and reference assistance, including introducing patrons to the collections, databases, and finding aids
• Providing guidance on how to correctly handle historic materials
• Answering phone calls and filling purchase requests
• Retrieving original materials and publications from the Library stacks
• Requesting materials from offsite storage, and fills photocopy requests
• Assisting with projects related to archival processing; digitization; records management; acquisitions; programs; and exhibits

Additional duties may include:

• Writing articles about the collections for the Library’s website
• Assigning and tracking queries for the entire staff, using a Salesforce database

Performs other duties as assigned, including participating in the Library’s in public programs.

REPORTING STRUCTURE:
Supervisor: Managing Archivist
Supervises: May supervise interns on a project basis, providing support and training as well as written and verbal guidance.

Regular Contacts: Library Special Collections, Programs & Communications, and Records Management; other departments of the church.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree required. Specific coursework in primary source-based research strongly desired. One to three years of general work experience preferred. 

Knowledge/Skills
The ideal candidate is familiar with 19th century American religious or women’s history, and has a working knowledge of biographical and other historical information on Mary Baker Eddy, her ideas and legacy, and the history of The First Church of Christ, Scientist.

Experience conducting in-depth historical research in primary and secondary materials, including print and online. Experience in a library or archives environment, including working with the public. Excellent writing, editing, and communications skills.

Technology Requirements

• Strong computer skills, including familiarity with databases.

Work Environment

• Ability to comfortably lift up to 40 lbs and use step ladders.
• Christian Science information

The ideal candidate values Mary Baker Eddy’s life and work, and recognizes the Library’s role in furthering the mission of her Church. Members of The Mother Church, as well as non-members, may make application.

This position requires signing a Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement.

Online Application address is here.