Postdoctoral Researcher in Digital History

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

The Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C2DH) is a research centre for the study, analysis and public dissemination of contemporary history of Luxembourg and Europe with a particular focus on digital methods and tools for doing innovative historical research. It serves as a catalyst for innovative and creative scholarship and new forms of public dissemination and societal engagement with history.

The Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C²DH) has a job opening for a postdoctoral researcher to work on LuxTIME, a new research initiative to promote interdisciplinary collaborative historicized research. Postdoctoral researchers will work closely together with each other and this project’s principal investigator, Prof Dr Sean Takats. This is an outward-facing, high-profile opportunity for researchers to build experience managing a large-scale research project and to gain public exposure.

Tasks, to be divided between the selected candidates in consultation with the project leader, will include:

• the management of the INITIATE  project (organisation of the steering committee and advisory board meetings and Strategic Merit Assessment exercise);
• the management and development of the national consortium of stakeholders, research organizations, and cultural heritage institutions;
• coordinating the collaborative writing of an FNR NCER  proposal with the members of the consortium
• the creation and management of a mapping exercise which will identify the state of art in Luxembourg of mass digitization of historical data and the technological and organisational solutions for exchanging/accessing large datasets across member institutions;
• an analysis of the initiatives at the European level (including a comparison with the Time Machine Organisation  and connecting national and European level);
• the design of proof-of-concept, feasibility, and sustainability studies.

We will determine the assignment of these tasks in response to the selected candidates’ skills, experience, and interests. For further information, please contact Sean Takats ([email protected] ). For more information about C²DH, please visit: c2dh.uni.lu

We seek a highly motivated researcher with the following background and interests:

• PhD in history or a related field involving historicized research in the humanities or social sciences;
• Passionate about using technology to conduct research;
• Experience in coordinating digital research projects;
• Willingness to cooperate actively in large, interdisciplinary teams;
• Experience with grant writing will be a plus;
• Good command of English. French, German, or Luxembourgish a plus.

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 Month
• Starting date: As soon as possible
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Job Reference: UOL05040

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a list of publications;
• a motivation letter.

Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …