Non-academic job announcement for ethnographers

Christopher Pound (pound@IS.RICE.EDU)
Thu, 2 Jun 1994 10:46:30 -0500

I dunno if it's good or bad timing to post this in the middle of a bunch of
(surely valid) complaints about the difficulty of getting an academic job,
but hey, I was just asked by a friend to pass it along. Good luck to all
interested.

Forwarded message:

ETHNOGRAPHERS WANTED

The Institute for Research on Learning (IRL) is looking for experienced
ethnographers for project research.

WHAT IS IRL?
Founded n 1987, IRL is a non-profit institute dedicated to the understanding and
enhancement of learning in a wide range of settings. We pursue our research in
partnership with workplaces and schools that are seeking to transform themselves
into environments for learning.

WHAT ABOUT THE PROJECT?
The project involves a systemic analysis of a business division of a Fortune 500
company. The project team is a multi-disciplinary group composed of
anthropologists, economists, computer scientists, and others.

WHAT ARE THE JOB REQUIREMENTS?
A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline or an M.A. with extensive experience is
required. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, you should be tolerant of
research perspectives informed by various disciplines. You will have to be
highly flexible and adaptive and able to adjust to requirements that change as
the research project evolves. The positions require travel and relocation. We
are currently looking for someone to join our team in Rochester, NY; another
position will involve a 3 month period in both Seattle, WA and San Antonio, TX.
Additional travel will also be required, including quarterly visits to IRL in
Palo Alto. These schedules are preliminary and subject to change as the
research requires.

WHAT OTHER QUALIFICATIONS ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Field experience in corporate workplaces and some familiarity with
technologically complex settings would be a plus. Computer literacy is a must.
(IRL uses Apple computers.) Experience in using video analysis for ethnography
is especially attractive.

WHAT KIND OF COMMITMENT DOES IRL MAKE?
At the current time, these positions are funded for a year. However, given that
workplace research is rapidly expanding at IRL, we have every intention of
developing them into permanent appointments as funding permits. There will be a
mutual review at three months.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
We are taking applications now and will do so until the positions are filled,
hopefully no later than July 1.

For questions, please call the project coordinator, Connie Preston, at (415)
496-7950; or send a resume, a writing sample, a sample of field notes and names
and phone numbers of three references to:

Institute for Research on Learning
2550 Hanover St.
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Attn.: Connie Preston