Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational History

Join the Golden Matrix Team at Aarhus University

The Center for Humanities Computing at the School of Culture and Society at Aarhus University invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral researcher position in computational history, as part of the interdisciplinary Golden Matrix project. The position is set to start 1st June 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the Project

The Golden Matrix initiative encompasses two major subprojects:

Golden Array

, funded by the Carlsberg Foundation, and

Golden Imprints

, supported by the Aarhus University Research Foundation. This ambitious project explores the Danish Golden Age (1750–1930) through a detailed analysis of textual and visual sources using a computational approach.

The Danish Golden Age marked the emergence of structured news flows that significantly influenced public discourse. This project investigates these dynamics, including the flow and reception of information, to evaluate how they align with, or challenge established narratives about the period. It focuses on themes such as Scandinavism, the rise of the Danish nation-state and nationalism, urban versus peripheral dynamics, and the broader processes of information dynamics and reception, offering new insights into the societal transformations of the era and inspiring methodologies for studying other historical contexts and regions.

The interdisciplinary team includes specialists in history, applied mathematics and computational sciences with a strong focus on computational humanities research. The project leverages an extensive dataset of digitized books, newspapers, and visual artworks, including paintings from the Danish Golden Age, continually seeking ways to enhance its scope and quality.

Position Description

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in history and a demonstrable interest and experience in the use of computational methods. The candidate should combine the use of quantitative and statistical approaches with (solid) historical analysis, in line with the multi-disciplinary approach of the existing team.

The successful candidate will:

• Use the project’s dataset to address innovative research questions related to the Danish Golden Age and broader themes in computational history.
• Collaborate closely in an interdisciplinary team while maintaining the ability to work independently.
• Contribute to publications targeting both traditional historical and computational humanities audiences.

Qualifications

Applicants should:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent qualifications in computational history, computational archaeology, computational social science, cultural evolution, cultural heritage or a related field.
• Have experience with quantitative and statistical methods applied to textual and/or visual historical data.
• Demonstrate the ability to publish high-quality research.
• Be fluent in English.
• Show strong interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as a collaborative spirit.

We acknowledge that imposter syndrome is a widespread phenomenon in academia, but it should not deter potential applicants from putting themselves forward for this role. Should you have any doubts or require further information, Prof Kristoffer Nielbo (kln@cas.au.dk) is available for discussions regarding the potential fit for the position. In its pursuit of academic excellence, The Faculty of Arts is committed to creating an inclusive working environment and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity etc.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill-building in computational humanities.
• The chance to contribute to a project with significant impact on both historical scholarship and methodological innovation.

Join us in advancing the study of the Danish Golden Age through innovative historical inquiry and computational methods. 

Support, both peer-support and mentoring, in terms of the technical and scholarly tasks as well as personal and professional development will be provided to ensure optimal conditions for a thriving professional period

For a more detailed description of Center for Humanities Computing, please visit:
https://chc.au.dk/ . For more information on the School of Culture and Society, please visit: https://cas.au.dk/en/

For further information about the application procedure, please contact HR supporter Gerd Cecilie Bech Thomsen (gebeth@au.dk )

The Work Environment
This position will be based at the Center for Humanities Computing - research and
development unit at the School of Culture and Society at Aarhus University that collaborates with researchers from arts and humanities (Faculty of Arts) at Aarhus University.
Our offices are in Nobel Parken, Jens Chr. Skous Vej 7, 8000 Aarhus C and holds about 30 employees. CHC values a healthy work-life-balance and offers work conditions where flexible hours and some amount of remote work is possible.

Qualification requirements

Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualifications.

Formalities

The Faculty of Arts refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities

(the Appointment Order)

.

Aarhus University also offers a junior researcher development programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here:

https://talent.au.dk/junior-researcher-development-programme/

If nothing else is noted, applications must be submitted in English. The application deadline is at 11.59 pm Danish time (same as Central European Time) on the deadline day.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Shortlists may be prepared with the candidates that have been selected for a detailed academic assessment. A committee set up by the head of school is responsible for selecting the most qualified candidates. See this link for further information about shortlisting at the Faculty of Arts:

shortlisting
Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts is one of five main academic areas at Aarhus University.

The faculty contributes to Aarhus University's research, talent development, knowledge exchange and degree programmes.
With its 700 academic staff members, 200 PhD students, 9,000 BA and MA students, and 1,500 students following continuing/further education programmes, the faculty constitutes a strong and diverse research and teaching environment.

The Faculty of Arts consists of the School of Communication and Culture, the School of Culture and Society and the Danish School of Education. Each of these units has strong academic environments and forms the basis for interdisciplinary research and education.

The faculty's academic environments and degree programmes engage in international collaboration and share the common goal of contributing to the development of knowledge, welfare and culture in interaction with society.

Read more at arts.au.dk/en

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.