Volunteer
Be Part of Preserving History
Structured Volunteer Work, Conducted Online
Manuscript Research Institute (MRI) relies on skilled volunteers to support structured research, documentation, and operational systems that make manuscript preservation possible.
All volunteer roles at MRI are 100% remote and conducted online. Volunteers work within clearly defined responsibilities, documented workflows, and collaborative digital environments to support long-term scholarly and administrative efforts.
Volunteer opportunities span research support, administration, and outreach. Some specialized roles require foreign language proficiency, while many essential positions do not. Role-specific expectations are shared after application and, when applicable, discussed during an online interview.
What All Volunteers Must Have
All volunteer roles at MRI require a baseline level of technical competence and professional communication.
Volunteers must be able to:
- Work confidently in a fully digital environment
- Participate in online meetings and written collaboration
- Communicate clearly and professionally using email and chat
- Collaborate within shared documents and file systems
- Follow written instructions, workflows, and documentation standards
MRI does not provide basic technology training. Foundational digital literacy is required for all roles.
Where Volunteers Serve
Volunteers serve within one or more functional areas of MRI.
Programs
Research support, manuscript-related work, and scholarly projects that advance MRI’s research and publication goals.
Administration
Documentation, systems, policies, and operational support that enable MRI’s research work to function effectively.
Outreach
Communications, partnerships, and public-facing initiatives that extend the reach and visibility of MRI’s mission.
Each role has a defined scope, expectations, and oversight. Detailed responsibilities are shared after application and, when applicable, discussed during an online interview
Time, Pace, and Commitment
MRI values accuracy over speed and reliability over volume.
MRI’s volunteer roles are structured and collaborative, while remaining flexible and fully online. Volunteers contribute within clear expectations and documented workflows, offering their time in ways that fit their schedules, with an emphasis on consistency rather than volume.
Teams may hold weekly or monthly online meetings to coordinate work, share updates, and support collaboration. Meeting times are scheduled with volunteer availability in mind whenever possible.
Work is documentation-driven, collaborative, and often long-term in nature.
Next Step
If the expectations outlined above align with your skills and availability, the next step is to apply.
After applying:
- You will receive follow-up communication by email.
- To ensure you receive our messages, please add hr@manuscriptresearch.com to your contacts or safe sender list.
- All volunteer roles include at least one online interview to ensure good fit and support.
Role-specific details and onboarding materials are shared after placement.