Academic Transcriptionist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of academia, the role of academic transcriptionists has become increasingly essential.

As scholarly activities progress and diversify, the demand for skilled individuals who can transcribe, interpret, and accurately represent academic discussions grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an academic transcriptionist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the nature of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of academic transcription,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a flexible academic transcriptionist job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started right away.

Academic Transcriptionist Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Transcriptionists use expert knowledge of language and transcription software to convert oral material into written form.

This role is essential in the academic field as it supports students, faculty, and research personnel in their studies and projects.

The duties and responsibilities of an Academic Transcriptionist include:

• Listen to recorded academic lectures, seminars, research interviews, and other educational content
• Transcribe the material into written form using specific transcription software
• Proofread transcriptions for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to specified formats
• Ensure proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Edit transcriptions according to feedback
• Identify and clarify any unclear or complex technical terms or phrases
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to copyright laws and academic integrity policies
• Work closely with academic staff to understand specific transcription needs and requirements
• Collaborate with other transcriptionists for larger projects
• Organize and store completed transcripts for easy retrieval and reference

 

Academic Transcriptionist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a meticulous and efficient Academic Transcriptionist to join our team.

The Academic Transcriptionist will be responsible for transcribing recorded lectures, seminars, and discussions into written form.

They will also be tasked with revising transcriptions for errors and inconsistencies, and verifying all technical and academic terms for accuracy.

The ideal candidate is an excellent listener with a keen eye for detail, and possesses outstanding typing skills.

They should be familiar with a variety of academic subjects and terminologies.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribing recorded academic content (lectures, seminars, discussions etc.) into written form.
• Reviewing transcriptions for errors and inconsistencies.
• Verifying all technical and academic terms for accuracy.
• Maintaining the confidentiality of all sensitive information.
• Ensuring timely delivery of transcriptions according to set schedules.
• Maintaining an organized filing system of transcribed documents.
• Collaborating with the academic team to ensure clarity and accuracy of transcriptions.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Transcriptionist or similar role.
• Proficient typing skills with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Familiarity with various academic subjects and terminologies.
• Strong command of the English language and knowledge of grammar and punctuation.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A degree in a relevant field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Academic Transcriptionist
• Work Environment: This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing may be required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Transcription Supervisor or Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Academic Transcriptionist Do?

An Academic Transcriptionist primarily works for universities, research institutions, or individual scholars.

They can also be freelance workers who serve multiple clients.

Their primary task involves transcribing various forms of academic content.

This may include lectures, seminars, interviews, dissertations, theses, conference speeches, and research recordings into written text.

The transcriptions they create are accurate, complete, and adhere to specific formatting guidelines.

Academic Transcriptionists may also be responsible for proofreading and editing transcripts to ensure they are free of errors and inconsistencies.

They ensure that technical and subject-specific terminology is accurately transcribed and properly spelled.

They often work with digital audio or video files, using transcription software to help with their work.

These professionals must be proficient in the use of such software and need to keep up with developments in transcription technology.

They also ensure confidentiality and respect intellectual property rights, especially when working with unpublished research or sensitive information.

In addition, an Academic Transcriptionist may have to work within tight deadlines, particularly during peak academic periods.

Thus, being able to manage time effectively and work under pressure are important traits for this role.

 

Academic Transcriptionist Qualifications and Skills

An academic transcriptionist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Excellent listening skills to accurately convert audio files into written text.
• Strong typing skills to transcribe the spoken word into written content at a fast speed.
• Exceptional knowledge and understanding of academic terminology across a range of disciplines to ensure accuracy in transcription.
• Proficiency in the use of transcription software and tools.
• Attention to detail to transcribe content verbatim and accurately capture nuances, tone and context.
• Excellent command of grammar, punctuation and spelling to produce high-quality transcripts.
• Time management skills to meet tight deadlines and multitask effectively.
• Confidentiality and discretion in dealing with sensitive academic information.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work on various projects across different academic fields.
• Problem-solving skills to overcome challenges such as unclear audio files and complex terminologies.

 

Academic Transcriptionist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Academic Transcriptionists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often achieved through internships, part-time roles, or freelance work in the field of transcription.

They may also gain relevant experience through roles such as Data Entry Clerk, Typist, or other administrative positions that involve a substantial amount of typing and editing.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often develop their technical skills, speed, and accuracy in transcription, as well as their knowledge of transcription software and tools in entry-level Academic Transcriptionist roles.

These professionals may also have significant experience in transcribing academic lectures, interviews, and seminars.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field are typically well-versed in handling complex academic terminologies and are proficient in transcribing content for different academic disciplines.

They may also have some experience in managing a team of transcriptionists or coordinating large-scale transcription projects.

Many experienced Academic Transcriptionists have a background in academia, such as former teachers or researchers, which is beneficial for understanding the context and terminology of the content they transcribe.

 

Academic Transcriptionist Education and Training Requirements

Academic Transcriptionists typically have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, with some employers preferring candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field.

A strong command of the English language, attention to detail, and excellent typing skills are necessary for this role.

Familiarity with the specialized terminologies used in various academic fields can also be beneficial.

Although not required, many Academic Transcriptionists undergo training in transcription techniques and software.

This can be achieved through online courses or certification programs that provide practical skills in transcription.

Moreover, experience with word-processing software and audio equipment is often necessary.

Familiarity with audio transcription software and the ability to understand different accents and dialects can also be beneficial.

A significant part of an Academic Transcriptionist’s job involves listening to recorded lectures or interviews and transcribing them accurately.

Thus, training in active listening and a good understanding of academic content can be a valuable asset.

Although certification is not generally required, acquiring one can demonstrate proficiency and dedication to the field.

Certifications can be obtained from various organizations such as the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) in the medical transcription field or the American Translators Association (ATA) for language-specific transcription.

Continuing education and updated training may also be necessary as transcription technology evolves over time.

 

Academic Transcriptionist Salary Expectations

An Academic Transcriptionist earns an average salary of $35,400 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on the level of experience, the complexity of the transcription work, and the region in which they are employed.

 

Academic Transcriptionist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Academic Transcriptionist need?

An Academic Transcriptionist should have excellent listening skills and a strong command over the language they are transcribing in.

They should have good typing speed and accuracy to ensure the transcriptions are error-free.

Attention to detail is crucial as they need to capture every word and sound correctly.

Familiarity with academic jargon and terminologies used in various disciplines can also be beneficial.

 

Do Academic Transcriptionists need a degree?

While a degree is not always necessary for an Academic Transcriptionist, having a degree in a language-related field or a discipline frequently transcribed can be beneficial.

It’s more important to have excellent language and typing skills.

Many employers prefer transcriptionists who have completed a transcriptionist certification program.

 

What should you look for in an Academic Transcriptionist resume?

Look for previous experience in transcription work, especially in academic settings.

Check their typing speed and accuracy rates, if available.

Proficiency in language and good grammar skills are also essential.

Knowledge in specific academic fields or terminologies can be a plus.

Any certification in transcription or relevant fields should also be noted.

 

What qualities make a good Academic Transcriptionist?

A good Academic Transcriptionist is diligent and detail-oriented.

They have excellent listening skills and a firm grasp on the language they are transcribing.

They are patient, as transcription work can be repetitive and requires focus.

They are also reliable and able to meet deadlines, as timely completion of transcripts is often crucial in academic settings.

 

What are the daily duties of an Academic Transcriptionist?

An Academic Transcriptionist usually starts their day by reviewing their assignments and prioritizing them based on deadlines.

They spend most of their time listening to recordings and transcribing them accurately.

They may also spend time proofreading and correcting their work to ensure it is error-free.

In some cases, they may need to research specific terminologies or topics to accurately transcribe academic content.

They may also communicate with clients to clarify any unclear audio or content.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an academic transcriptionist.

And you know what?

It’s not just about transcribing words.

It’s about transforming academic discussions, lectures, and research into accessible, written formats.

With our handy academic transcriptionist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Further explore with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every transcribed word contributes to the vast world of knowledge.

Let’s make that knowledge accessible. Together.

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