Revolutionary City Resident Scholar

DescriptionThe American Philosophical Society, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743 and, today, the oldest and most distinguished learned society in the United States, seeks an experienced and passionate historian of early America to conduct research, edit materials, and author digital scholarship. This 2-year, grant-funded position will produce web content for The Revolutionary City (Rev City), a web portal amassing material from various archival repositories to highlight Philadelphia's role in the American Revolution (1763-1804). The ideal candidate will have not only a strong academic background in early American history and the Revolutionary War, but also an understanding of public history and the production of web-based digital scholarship.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSThe Revolutionary City Resident Scholar will:Prepare interpretive content for a broad public audience;Primary liaison with partner organizations; Promote the project through conferences and presentations, both at the APS and elsewhere;Manage Rev City data interns;Assist with obtaining digital content and metadata from a variety of sources;Draft documentation of processes, workflows, and best practices;QUALIFICATIONS Advanced degree in Early American History or Public History with a strong emphasis on early American history;Demonstrated experience with digital scholarship and web publication;Ability to write to a variety of audiences at varying reading levels;Experience with tools for digital scholarship (StoryMap JS, Timeline JS, Palladio, etc), preferred;Ability to generate high-quality, camera-ready content at consistent intervals with minimal supervision;Experience with content management systems;Possess technical proficiency and ability to learn new software independently;Thoughtful, collaborative, and communicative co-worker;A self-starter who works independently to find solutions and improve processes and workflows;Other duties as assigned.This is a full-time, grant-funded position with benefits. The Society offers a competivitve benefits package, including health insurancem dental, life insurance, long term dissability, 403b with the employer match, and paid days off.Salary: $60,000Institutional requirements: Background check required after a conditional job offer is made.Environmental/Physical CapabilitiesThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position operates in a professional office environment within the organization. The role frequently interacts with Members and grant and fellowship recipients, requiring extended periods of standing, often for multiple hours at a time. The role may also involve occasional walking, light lifting (up to 25 pounds), and repetitive motions such as typing or using office equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.About the APSToday, the American Philosophical Society is a dynamic and multifaceted research institution with a mission of "promoting useful knowledge." (It should be noted that "Philosophy" in the eighteenth century meant inquiry, and the Society today embraces its motto of nullo discrimine ("without distinction") by supporting the advancement of knowledge in all fields of knowledge through several program areas.) The Society is led by dynamic, new leadership that honors its venerable history while finding ways to increase its impact in the modern world:Research: The Society plays an important role in providing independent research support to the brightest young minds -particularly important in a time when research dollars are scarcer. Its international grants and fellowship program funds over 300 scholars a year and supports research projects on all seven continents and in virtually all disciplines. Unique Collections and Resources: With over 14 million pages of manuscripts, including the papers of Benjamin Franklin, the journals of Lewis and Clark, and seven Nobel Laureates, its Library is home to one of the most distinguished research collections in the United States. The Library houses four research centers and supports a museum next to Independence Hall that regularly receives 100,000 visitors from around the country.The APS Press: the oldest continuously operating imprint in North America, produces a series of thought-provoking books and journals every year.Convening Conversations: At the heart of the Society sits its many convenings of thought leaders who share cutting edge research in all fields of knowledge, a tradition that dates to the Society's founding.A Home to Pathbreakers: As a learned society, the APS is guided and governed by its elected membership, which includes approximately 1,000 individuals who were elected because of their significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge. It is considered the most distinguished learned society in the United States. Seventeen presidents, dozens of Pulitzer Prize winners, Academy Award winners, Supreme Court justices, governors, and nearly 100 Nobel Laureates have been elected to Membership. Collectively, the Society's work and culture embody "the life of the mind."The Society is based on Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia, PA.To learn more, please visit: Application Instructions Please submit a resume or CV with a cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for the position to Interfolio. References will be requested for finalists. We encourage all those interested in learning more about the position to email Bayard Miller at [email protected] will be accepted through April 2, 2026.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementThe American Philosophical Society is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, gender, religion or national origin. The APS values diversity and inclusion and encourages diverse applicants to apply. Successful applicants will be asked to show proof that they can legally work in the U.S.

Created: 2026-04-02