The Library & Museum of the American Philosophical Society invites applications for a four-month, full-time fellowship for an advanced Ph.D. candidate, or recent MA or Ph.D. recipient specializing in the history of biology. The successful candidate will contribute to improving the visibility of the Library & Museum’s holdings in the history of modern biology by assisting with the development of a new subject guide in the History of Science and will also work with the Library & Museum’s programming division to identify opportunities for public programs and educator resources (grades 6-12). Emphasis will be placed on developing programs that coincide with the APS’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access (the APS IDEA). 

Duties and Responsibilities:

--Work with the Associate Librarian and Curator of Manuscripts to review and update existing finding aids 

--Provide additional details and/or nuance to collection and item descriptions related to the history of biology and genetics

--Contribute to the revised History of Science Subject Guide

--Identify “hidden voices” in the Library & Museum’s genetics and biological collections to be highlighted in public programs and/or publications 

--Identify potential resources or opportunities to develop classroom resources and tools for high school and college students

--Present a public program or lecture based on research conducted using the APS’s collections

--Write at least one post for the APS Blog

Qualifications:

Eligible applicants must have or be working towards an advanced degree. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in the biological and life sciences and who have experience conducting research on topics in modern biology, genetics, or eugenics. Prior familiarity or work with managing collections data a plus. Applicants interested in pursuing career opportunities in a library or archive setting and/or in public programming are especially encouraged to apply. 

Stipend: $15,000

To apply, please submit the following materials via Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/83708):

• a CV,
• a cover letter explaining qualifications for and interest in the position, and,
• two letters of recommendation

Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2021 with notifications in June. The start date is Fall 2021. 

Please forward questions to Adrianna Link, Head of Scholarly Programs, at [email protected]

The American Philosophical Society is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scholarly excellence while supporting a working and intellectual environment that fosters an inclusive atmosphere for learning, prizes diverse origins and points of view, advances equal opportunities to learn and communicate, and encourages the widest possible access to its collections. The APS has titled these goals the APS IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equality, and Access) for its enduring institutional commitment to these values.