Research Specialist, Center for Cultural Landscapes

The Center for Cultural Landscapes (CCL) requires an experienced researcher who can collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty, staff, students, design and preservation practitioners, and the public to support research about the conservation and preservation of historic and endangered landscapes.

The Center for Cultural Landscape Research Specialist helps develop, design, and conduct various research studies, supports the management of digital archival materials, and creates systems for organizing and accessing research center files, mailing lists, websites, and StoryMaps. They oversee the day-to-day operation of specialized research technologies related to cultural landscapes, planning, architectural history, and cultural resource management to ensure sponsored projects meet the objectives of the Principal Investigators and funders. The CCL Research Specialist demonstrates advanced digital humanities and archival systems expertise, independent decision-making, and complex problem-solving. They are active in writing and editing, mainly when composing emails and writing grants for internal and external funders. They will prepare findings to be presented at conferences and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Identify correct research methods and tools; recommend and implement solutions, and collaborate in the development of new methods
• Develop research criteria, determine interview procedures, and approve research protocols
• Identify research and grant opportunities with current and future partners
• Develop and implement a system for collecting grant applicant data and feedback
• Communicate with grant applicants, director, and staff in a clear and timely manner
• Develop criteria for evaluating grant applications consistent with grant requirements
• Coordinate data collection and oversee data screening and verification.
• Conduct data analysis and interpret and implement research methodologies based on the outcomes of analyses.
• Co-author publications and co-present results with principal investigators at meetings or conferences.
• Supervise student workers as needed.
• Make professional development and technical recommendations to principal investigator and Center director to build staff capacity to complete research objectives
• Collaborate with staff and students to promote the public activities and research projects of the Center by managing the CCL’s websites, listserv, and newsletter
• Create and manage CCL’s knowledge and information infrastructure - inventory current digital assets to remain compliant with IRB, UVA-IT regulations and make assets accessible to staff
• Devise and implement new systems for collecting feedback, public input, and data
• Develop standard operating procedures for CCL employees and visitors associated with knowledge infrastructure including websites and list serv
• Conduct spatial analysis and review of crowdsourced surveys and maps for inclusion into existing and new digital humanities StoryMaps.
• Prepare and present research findings and reports for conferences, advisory board meetings, and symposia.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Experience: At least 3 years of relevant experience. Master's degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in history, architecture, architectural history, anthropology, archaeology, planning, preservation, or landscapes architecture
• Experience creating digital humanities solutions for research projects
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook
• Knowledge of Arc GIS, and StoryMap
• Experience using Adobe products
• Familiarity with historical research and documentation of rural landscapes and vernacular architecture
• Experience with digital storytelling and curation of archival materials and various forms of data

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $60,000 - $70,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, with additional on-site presence as needed, in accordance with UVA’s remote work guidelines.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

Application Timeline

Application review will begin September 2, and the position will remain open until filled.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0086803 . Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• For questions about the application process, please contact Melanie Sponaugle, unw5dq@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .