The Center for Global Christianity and Mission at Boston University seeks a Project Manager to oversee the collection, cleaning, and organization of data to enrich the China Historical Christian Database (CHCD).

The CHCD quantifies and visualizes the place of Christianity in modern China (1550-1950). It provides users the tools to discover where every Christian church, school, hospital, orphanage, publishing house, convent, etc., were located in China, and it documents who worked inside those buildings, both foreign and Chinese. Collectively, this information creates spatial maps and generates relational networks that reveal where, when, and how Western ideas, technologies, and practices entered China. Simultaneously, it uncovers how and through whom Chinese ideas, technologies, and practices were conveyed to the West. This project breaks new ground in providing quantifiable data about modern Sino-Western relations, religious reconfigurations, and Chinese Christianity. The position offers the project manager professional development opportunities in digital humanities and Chinese studies.

The Project Manager is encouraged to live in the Boston area, but remote arrangements will also be considered. This is a 12-month contract and the postdoc will be paid $53,760 and receive the regular benefits package for Boston University employees.

You can read more details and learn how to apply here: 

https://www.bu.edu/cgcm/postdoctoral-fellow-china-historical-christian-database/

The Project Manager is a postdoctoral fellow who will be responsible for ensuring the project progresses in its research agenda. This largely entails the collecting, cleaning and organization of the data and archival sources for the CHCD, though various other tasks may be assigned.

Project Objectives

1. Clean and prepare data for the CHCD.
2. Assist the Principal Investigators in the coordination of data collection for the CHCD.
3. Collect data from archival sources as part of the Phase II research agenda for the CHCD, which focuses primarily on Chinese Christian actors.
4. Collect new archival materials as part of the Phase III research agenda for the CHCD, which will focus primarily on social networks.

Major Deliverables

1. A finalized dataset for the second release of the CHCD.
2. An organized bibliography for the CHCD.
3. A collection of new, digitized archival materials for the Phase II research agenda.
4. A collection of prepared data from Phase II archival sources.

Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Overseeing data collection personnel
2. Data cleaning
3. Locating of archival sources
4. Organization of archival sources and digital materials
5. Compilation of quarterly newsletter “The Gazetteer”
6. Assistance in organization of CHCD workshops, conferences and public events.

Qualifications

• Expertise in Chinese Studies and/or the history of Christianity in China
• Oral and written fluency in Chinese
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Experience working in methodologies commonly grouped under the label, “digital humanities”
• Familiarity with the basics of database design
• Knowledge of database query languages (e.g., MySQL, CYPHER), Preferred

Timeline for Completion of Work

Employment will run from: September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023.

Location of Work and Required Materials

The employee will supply his or her own computer. Candidates would preferably be located in the Boston area. However, candidates requiring a fully remote arrangement will be considered.

Payment Details

• Terms: This is a full-time, 12-month research position.
• Salary: The employee will be paid $53,760.
• Benefits: Regular package for Boston University employees (https://www.bu.edu/hr/employee-resources/benefits/)

Standards and Guidelines
All parties shall maintain a standard of professional conduct. The contract may be terminated by either party prior the agreed date. Upon early termination, the contractor shall be compensated at a prorated rate.

Application

Please send a cover letter and CV to Daryl Ireland (dri@bu.edu).