Postdoctoral position in Viking-age archaeology at the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, School of Culture and Society, Aarhus University (fixed-term)

Postdoctoral position in Viking-age archaeology at the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, School of Culture and Society, Aarhus University (fixed-term) The Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, School of Culture and Society, Faculty of Arts, Aarhus University invites applications for an 18 months fixed-term postdoctoral position in Viking-age archaeology. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to an ongoing research project, “IDUN”, headed by Anna Tjelldén (Moesgaard Museum) in collaboration with Associate Professor Sarah Croix, Aarhus University. The appointment begins on 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. Place of work will be Aarhus University, Moesgaard Allé 20, 8270 Højbjerg. 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, preferably with experience in burial archaeology and/or Viking-age archaeology. The postdoc will be part of a research group with other postdoctoral researchers and associated senior scholars in two related projects based at Aarhus University and will also be closely associated with the research group of IDUN (the Museum of Moesgaard and international partners). The research project ”IDUN – Gender and Identity in the Viking age” (2026-2029) addresses the tension between the biological sex of Viking-age individuals and the material expressions of their identity as constructed in connection with burial practices. It utilizes a broad range of scientific analyses for the study of skeletal remains as well as in situ archaeological burial contexts to identify indicators of identity which have until now been beyond reach using traditional methods. The project is based at the Museum of Moesgaard in Aarhus in close collaboration with Aarhus University, School of Culture and Society, and multiple partners in Denmark (Nordjyske Museer, University of Southern Denmark) and across Northern Europe. It is supported by a grant from the Augustinus Foundation (grant holder Anna Tjelldén). The successful applicant is expected to participate in and be co-organizer of project activities (workshops, project group meetings and an international conference) held in collaboration between the Museum of Moesgaard and Aarhus University, as well as in departmental activities at the Department of Culture and Society including lectures, seminars and workshops. The position The successful applicant is expected to produce independent work as well as contribute to research activities in the framework of the research project. Applicants are asked to submit: An up-to-date academic CV with a complete list of publications A concise statement of motivation for applying for the position indicating how their experience relates to the tasks to be conducted in the position [maximum one page] A maximum of two publications The successful applicant will be expected to: Contextualize the results of various scientific analyses in the light of other archaeological data (burial finds) Contribute to the selection of samples for sex estimation using proteomic analysis of teeth enamel based on archaeological research questions Engage in a constructive dialogue with project partners concerning the implications of the results of the scientific analyses for the interpretation of burial practices, gender and identities in the Viking age Formulate theoretically informed new reflections about the themes of the project (gender and identity in the Viking age) based on the current state of the art Present their work at international meetings and publish their results in peer-reviewed, international scientific journals Co-organize one conference Qualifications Applicants for this position must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in archaeology or a related field. Applicants must document: Doctoral-level experience of conducting research on Viking-age archaeology, burial archaeology and/or gender archaeology Experience in integrating various forms of archaeological data, including the results of scientific analyses An extensive knowledge of Scandinavian archaeology in the Viking age, especially its burial practices A methodological and structured approach to work in research Flexibility, good collaborative skills and the ability to work independently An international research profile or potential to achieve such a profile Fluency in written and spoken English, and the willingness to acquaint themselves with Danish if they do not already have the necessary Danish skills *The research activities will be evaluated in relation to the actual research time. We therefore encourage applicants to specify any periods of leave they may have had without research activities (e.g. maternity/paternity leave), so we can subtract these periods from the span of their academic career when evaluating their productivity. *Please upload a maximum of two publications alongside your application. *Only submitted publications will be assessed; a list of publications is not sufficient. As a result, applications without submitted publications will not be assessed. Shortlists are 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. *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 Deadline: 3 September 2026 For further information about the position, please contact Sarah Croix (marksc@cas.au.dk) For further information about the application procedure, please contact HR support (iks-hr-sag@au.dk) International applicants International applicants are encouraged to check Family and work-life balance and Attractive working conditions for further information about the 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 broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including a relocation service and career counselling for expat partners. For information about taxation, see Taxation aspects of international researchers’ employment by AU. The work environment The Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies At the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies and its associated Research Programme Materials, Culture and Heritage (MCH), we are concerned with people and the environment and culture and society from the earliest to modern times. On the basis of fieldwork and library and laboratory studies, including anthropology, history and a variety of scientific approaches, the programme investigates and challenges our understanding of the past and its role in the present. The MCH Research Programme at Aarhus University has an international profile and strong research networks. The environment is versatile and cross-disciplinary, and the academic staff’s research competences span a broad range of topics and approaches to archaeology and heritage. For a more detailed description please visit this website. The School of Culture and Society At 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