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.

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