Jobs at the Center

Join an inspired team and make an impact

The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library, archive, and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. Extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists and deepen our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts.

Employees help visitors experience collections through study in the reading room, tours through our exhibition galleries, and through engaging programs, including readings, talks, symposia, and film screenings. Our work provides time and space for meaningful reflection and the sharing of ideas that open our minds and deepen our connectedness.

Find out more about working for The University of Texas at Austin. Questions about any open positions may be directed to Leah Bush, Human Resources Manager, at leah.bush@austin.utexas.edu

Open Positions

• Business Office Administrator

  Assist the Finance Manager and the Director's Office with financial operations, displaying a high degree of initiative and judgment, including responsibility for complex decisions.

  • For more information and to apply

• Digital Imaging Technician

  Photographs and digitizes collection materials in the Harry Ransom Center. Ensures quality control of digital images. Supports departmental workflows and job completion. Maintains hardware and software in the Center's photography studio.

  • For more information and to apply

• John Merritt Associate Director for Research Services

  The John Merritt Associate Director for Research Services reports to the Director and provides leadership and vision for the Ransom Center’s Research Services Division with responsibility for all research operations including Reader Services, Reference, Instruction, and Fellowships. Serves as a member of the Ransom Center’s senior leadership team.

  • Priority Deadline: Please submit application materials before September 22, 2024.
  • For more information and to apply

• Library Assistant I

  Provide public service for the Harry Ransom Center Library Reading Room.

  • Note: This is a part-time position at 20 hours per week.
  • For more information and to apply

• Library Assistant II

  Provide public service for the Harry Ransom Center Library Reading Room.

  • Note: This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week.
  • For more information and to apply

• Manager for Bibliographic Description

  Reporting to the Head of Printed & Published Media and Metadata Services, the Manager for Bibliographic Description serves as the lead cataloger of the unit, engaging in original and complex copy cataloging of modern and early printed books, manuscripts, serials, maps, visual materials, and other special formats; as well as activities geared to assure quality control, maintenance and remediation of the library catalog.

  In consultation with the unit head, the Manager for Bibliographic Description establishes and monitors departmental workflows related to new acquisitions cataloging and serials receiving, and takes the lead in developing policies and procedures to ensure efficient, accurate, and effective cataloging of rare books and special formats. This position supervises a library assistant and has an essential role in serving as primary contact for public services staff on issues related to bibliographic descriptions, and maintaining the cataloging manual in the department wiki. Depending on ongoing projects, the Manager for Bibliographic Description might also hire, supervise and provide ongoing training of student assistant(s) and interns.

  Success in this position requires a commitment to professional development activities and professional service, in order to stay informed of evolving cataloging trends, and changes in best practices and standards.

  • For more information and to apply

• Reference Librarian

  Provides leadership, coordination, and support for in-person and virtual reference assistance and contributes to a creative, collaborative, and team-oriented work environment. Collaborates with the Public Services Librarian (responsible for Reading Room operations) and the Reference team (responsible for virtual reference) to assist with all reference services. Coordinates Reference services from staff across many divisions, develops and implements policies and procedures for Reference, is active professionally and serves on library and professional committees. Plans and implements outreach to the UT campus community, provides research consultations, and leads instruction sessions on archival and bibliographical research methods for faculty, students, and staff in collaboration with the Instructional Services Coordinator and the Reference team. Creates research guides, FAQs, tutorials for special-collections discovery tools, and maintains the reference materials in collaboration with Reference, Research Services, Curatorial, and Technical and Digital Services staff.

  • For more information and to apply

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