Postdoctoral Position in Human Osteology and Isotopic Analyses at the Centre for Urban Network Evolutions (Urbnet)

UrbNet and the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, School of Culture and Society, Faculty of Arts, Aarhus University invite applications for a 24 months fixed-term Postdoctoral Position in Osteology and Isotopic Analyses. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to two ongoing research projects, “Samfundsbrud” and “Milestone”, both headed by Associate Professor Sarah Croix.

The appointment begins on 1 May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Place of work: Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Moesgaard Allé 20. The successful applicant is expected to be present at the department on a daily basis.

The 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.

Research context

We are looking for an innovative scholar with a background in Archaeology and Human Osteology, preferably with a specialisation in Isotopic Analyses. The postdoc will be involved in two recently funded research projects, “Samfundsbrud” (2025-2027) and “Milestone” (2025-2028).

“Samfundsbrud” is a collaborative project aiming at promoting research in Danish cultural heritage and involves several partner institutions: Vesthimmerlands Museum, Nordjyske Museer, Museum Østjylland and Moesgaard. It focuses on the process of Christianization and its impact on social relations, burial customs and use of the landscape in the late Viking Age, as well as discusses how and when the new faith transformed the life and afterlife of local communities in North and East Jutland. The project is supported by the Augustinus Foundation’s “Kulturarv” scheme.

“Milestone” addresses significant change in archaeology and its impact on the lived life of past communities and individuals by tracking down milestones in the development of the burial site of Lindholm Høje throughout the first millennium CE. The project is centred around a strong research team of junior scholars based at AU and supported by collaborations with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the Aarhus AMS Center, Nordjyske Museer and Copenhagen University. The project is supported by a Carlsberg Foundation’s Semper Ardens Accelerate grant.

The successful applicant is expected to participate in project activities (workshops, project group meetings) and in departmental activities at UrbNet and at the Department of Culture and Society including lectures, seminars and workshops. Additionally, tasks related to the position will be conducted at the Laboratory of Biological Anthropology, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen under the supervision of Senior Research Marie Louise Jørkov (approximately 12 months) and the VUB under the supervision of Professor Christophe Snoeck (approximately 3 months).

The position

The successful applicant is expected to produce independent work as well as contribute to research activities in the framework of both research projects, about one-fourth of the position being dedicated to “Samfundsbrud” and three-fourth to “Milestone”. 

Teaching

The position will involve a very small amount of teaching at the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies as agreed upon with the Head of the Department and the projects’ PI Sarah Croix.

Qualifications

Applicants for this position must hold a PhD degree in Archaeology, Bioarchaeology or a related field or be able to document equal qualifications.

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