Postdoctoral position in radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modelling at the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies

The Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, School of Culture and Society, Faculty of Arts, Aarhus University invites applications for a 21 months fixed-term postdoctoral position in radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modelling. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to an ongoing research project, “Milestone”, headed by Associate Professor Sarah Croix.

The appointment begins on 1 April 2026 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 and radiocarbon dating, preferably with experience in Bayesian modelling. The postdoc will be part of a research group with other postdoctoral researchers and associated senior scholars.

“Milestone” (2025-2028) 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, Denmark, throughout the first millennium CE. The project is based at Aarhus University, School of Culture and Society, and supported by collaborations with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the Aarhus AMS Center, Nordjyske Museer and the Anthropological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen. 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 the Department of Culture and Society including lectures, seminars and workshops. Additionally, tasks related to the position will be conducted at the Aarhus AMS Center, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, under the supervision of Jesper Olsen.

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
• Documentation of any teaching experience

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Conduct analyses pertaining to radiocarbon dating on multiple types of materials, though predominantly human and animal bone (both cremated and uncremated bone) from Lindholm Høje, following international scientific and ethical standards and the procedures at AARAMS
• Produce a refined chronology of the site using Bayesian modelling, including radiocarbon dates as well as other types of chronological evidence (stratigraphy, site formation, stylistic dating of artefacts)
• Engage in a constructive dialogue with project partners concerning the implications of the results for the interpretation of burial practices and social change at the site
• Present their work at international meetings and publish their results in peerreviewed, international scientific journals as well as in the site monograph in collaboration with the project group
• Coorganize two research workshops at Aarhus University 

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