Job Description—The Papers of Martin Van Buren
Research Editor
The Papers of Martin Van Buren seeks a part-time research editor for a five-year
appointment from July 2026-June 2031 (with employment beyond the end date dependent on
funding), at an annual salary of $35,000. The successful candidate, who will work 20 hours per
week, will obtain copies of Van Buren documents needed for the project, add metadata to the
digital edition, and provide annotations for The Selected Papers of Martin Van Buren print
edition, among other assigned duties.
Qualifications for the position include an M.A. in history or related field (Ph.D.
preferred); archival research experience; the ability to work both independently and as part of a
team; exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills; and proficiency in
reading and comprehending nineteenth-century handwriting. Experience with documentary
editing and/or a research specialty in U.S. history between 1800 and 1865 would be considered a
plus. The successful hire may work remotely or in person at the project office in Cumberland
University’s Vise Library, located in Lebanon, Tennessee, 30 miles east of Nashville. Periodic
travel will be required.
Applicants should submit a letter of application outlining their qualifications for the
position, as well as a c.v. that lists three professional references. Questions about the position can
be directed to Dr. Mark Cheathem, Project Director, at [email protected]. The
committee will begin reviewing applications in late April.
Skills Required
- M.A. in history or related field
- Archival research experience
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Proficiency in reading nineteenth-century handwriting
- Experience with documentary editing
- Research specialty in U.S. history between 1800 and 1865
What We Do
At Cumberland University, we strive every day to inspire our students to rise and fulfill their greatest potential. We have an inexhaustible drive for excellence, which fuels our desire to be the leading university in Tennessee who prepares students for meaningful careers and impactful lives. We offer competitive associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, including online degree programs that blend the arts and humanities with practical knowledge and skills to position our students for a lifetime of success.
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