Postdoctoral Position in Assyriology – University of Copenhagen

About Position/Job

University of Copenhagen invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position in Assyriology as part of the project “From Catastrophe to Culture: Understanding Epidemics in Ancient Mesopotamia”. This fully funded 26-month postdoctoral role, supervised by Associate Professor Troels Pank Arbøll, focuses on examining epidemics in ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq and Syria) from the 3rd to 1st millennium BCE. The project integrates cuneiform text analysis, archaeological evidence, and interdisciplinary methodologies to explore the frequency, transmission, and societal responses to epidemics. Situated in the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, the role encourages collaboration with specialists in archaeology, ancient medicine, and cultural studies. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research, build a comprehensive epidemic timeline, and participate in international workshops, seminars, and publications while benefiting from a supportive and inclusive academic environment in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution: University of Copenhagen
Department: Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies
Research Field: Assyriology / Ancient Near Eastern Studies / Epidemics
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral
Start Date (Anticipated): June 2026
Working Hours: Full-time, up to 20% teaching/supervision possible
Salary Range: DKK 39,237.41 per month (~EUR 5,250) + 18.07% pension contribution
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Assyriology
Cuneiform studies (Akkadian and Sumerian)
Ancient medicine and epidemics
Ancient Near Eastern history
Philological analysis and text interpretation
Archaeology and interdisciplinary methods

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Assyriology completed within the last 4 years
Expertise in Akkadian and/or Sumerian cuneiform texts from the 3rd–1st millennium BCE
Experience in philological and historical analyses
Ability to work with cuneiform tablets (original or digital copies)
Experience with research databases and publishing academic work

Preferred Qualifications:

Interest in Near Eastern archaeology
Knowledge of ancient medicine, epidemics, and human-animal interactions
Experience in interdisciplinary research and teamwork
Strong motivation for teaching and outreach activities

Key Responsibilities

Analyse and interpret cuneiform sources related to epidemics and societal responses
Contribute textual data to the project’s epidemic database
Collaborate with team members on case studies and publications
Participate in weekly project meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences
Engage in teaching and supervision up to 20% of working hours

Application Process

How to Apply

Submit your application online in PDF or Word format via the University portal. Applications must be in English.

Required Documents:

Application/cover letter (max 2 pages)
Research statement (max 1 page) detailing planned research strategy, source prioritisation, and methodology
Curriculum Vitae with email and phone number
Documentation of qualifications (PhD diploma, certificates)
Complete and numbered list of publications (peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed) with a clear statement of contribution for co-authored work