The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) postdoctoral associate will collaborate between the University Libraries and the Department of English to work with an Inuit-led interdisciplinary team of scholars, librarians, and Alaskan Arctic Inuit community members to create a justice-oriented, Indigenous-first digital archive.

In the first year, the postdoctoral associate will research and develop a design process that prioritizes the use cases and needs of Indigenous communities while incorporating archival practice and data standards. In the second year, the successful candidate will work with the team to create a digital home for the Pungowiyi Collection, the personal and professional papers of Caleb Lumen Pungowiyi, a noted Siberian Yupik climate and conservation leader. Pungowiyi’s materials reflect his deep dedication to prioritizing Indigenous perspectives and knowledge within major discussions on climate and conservation policy. The postdoctoral associate must mirror this dedication to including Indigenous perspectives and use cases within the development of the archival processes and the digital library, and should also be interested in engaging with questions around Indigenous data sovereignty and operationalizing post-custodial archives. Priority will be given to applicants who have experience working with or in Indigenous communities.

This position is eligible for remote work and expected to begin August 2022. Following the initial two-year appointment, an extension would be based on needs of service, available funding, and performance.

Required qualifications include:

  • A PhD that must be awarded no more than three years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of two-year eligibility remaining;
  • Effective communication and organizational skills;
  • Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and community members with a variety of technical and cultural backgrounds;
  • Ability to establish positive and productive collaborations with diverse teams across departments and disciplines; and
  • Demonstrated ability to adjust priorities, manage time wisely, and make quick, effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Demonstrated experience working in Inuit, Alaska Native, Indigenous, First Nations, or Métis communities;
  • Demonstrated experience or interest in program management, project management, and/or nonprofit management;
  • Experience with or interest in digital technologies such as archives, repositories, or other cultural collections; and
  • Experience with or interest in metadata, such as describing digital collections and making collections accessible via digital libraries.

Application deadline: Open until filled

For more information and to apply, go to:
Position Announcement

For questions, contact:
Cana Uluak Itchuaqiyaq
Email: cana@vt.edu