The Department of History, School of Culture and Society, Aarhus University invites applications for a fixed-term postdoctoral position in medieval history, lasting for three years. The position is full-time (37 hours/week) and begins on 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. Aarhus University is keen for its staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified applicants regardless of their personal background. Members of the academic staff at the School of Culture and Society are expected to contribute to a vibrant, enjoyable and friendly work environment. We emphasise the importance of active participation in the daily life of the department.
Place of employmentNobelparken, Jens Chr. Skous Vej, 8000 Aarhus C. The successful applicant is expected to be present at the department on a daily basis.
The position The position is affiliated with the AUFF research project “Undeutsche - racism as social practice in Medieval Prussia and Livonia” (
link) headed by Professor Cordelia Hess. The research project studies the development of concepts of race and racism in the colonial contact zones in Eastern Europe, namely, the historical landscapes and territories of Pomerania, Prussia and Livonia. The postdoc project will specifically work with the sources of the urban administrations in the region during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Qualifications and requirements The successful applicant is expected to:
• develop their research within the general framework of the project, in close cooperation
with the project team
• present their research at national and international events and publish results in peer-
reviewed, international scientific journals in a timely fashion
• actively participate in the daily on-site working environment at Aarhus University
• contribute to research grant applications
• initiate and help to organize research workshops, conferences and other such activities.
Applicants for this position must hold a PhD degree in history or related fields (Medieval Studies, European Studies etc.) or be at PhD level, and must be able to document:
• language skills relevant for the project (Latin, German, and/or a Slavic language)
• the ability and willingness to engage in close collaboration with the team and the local
research environment, and
• fluency in written and spoken English
Ideally, applicants should also be able to document:
• experience of working with medieval manuscripts and archives
• familiarity with postcolonial theories and methods
• experiences in writing research grant applications
TeachingThe position will involve some teaching as agreed upon with the department head and the PI of the project.
In view of this, applicants are asked to submit:
• a project description (maximum three pages) in which they indicate how they will contribute
to the overall project. The project description should ideally demonstrate excellent
knowledge of the relevant philosophical and empirical literature
• a concise statement of motivation for applying for the position (maximum one page), and
• a maximum of five publications or submitted papers (please note that a list of publications
is not enough, the papers must be uploaded with the application)
• professional references or recommendations should not be included. Applicants who are
selected for an interview may be asked to provide professional references.
The application must be submitted in English.
The School of Culture and SocietyAt the School of Culture and Society, the object of research and teaching is the interplay between culture and society in time and space:
• From the traditional disciplines of the humanities and theology to applied social research
• From Antiquity to the issues facing contemporary societies
• From local questions to global challenges
The school’s ambition is to produce compelling research with an international resonance as well as to offer teaching and talent development of the highest quality. The school has a broad cooperative interface with society as a whole, both in Denmark and abroad, and contributes to social innovation, research communication and further and continuing education.
For further information about the school, please see http://cas.au.dk/en/.
International applicantsInternational applicants are encouraged to read about the
attractive working conditions and other benefits of working at Aarhus University and in Denmark, including healthcare, paid holidays and, if relevant, maternity/paternity leave, childcare and schooling. Aarhus University offers a wide variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including a
relocation service and an
AU Expat Partner Programme. You can also find information about the
taxation aspects of international researchers’ employment by AU.
Further informationFor more information about the position, please contact Professor Cordelia Hess (
c.hess@cas.au.dk).
For more information about applications, please contact HR supporter Gerd Cecilie Bech Thomsen (
gebeth@au.dk).
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 550 academic staff members, 240 PhD students, 9,500 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.
Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/