Aarhus University is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Position in Viking-Age Archaeology in the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies. This full-time, fixed-term role lasts 18 months, starting on 1 February 2027, and is part of the IDUN – Gender and Identity in the Viking Age research project.
The postdoctoral researcher will join the School of Culture and Society and investigate gender, identity and burial practices in Viking-Age archaeology. The project explores the relationship between biological sex and material expressions of identity in burial contexts, bringing together skeletal analysis, archaeological evidence and scientific methods.
The role also offers scope for independent research alongside project activities. Responsibilities include contextualising scientific results within archaeological burial evidence, helping select samples for proteomic sex estimation, and working with project partners to interpret findings. The researcher will also develop theoretically informed research, present findings at international meetings, publish in peer-reviewed journals and help organise a conference.
Applicants should have doctoral-level research experience in Viking-Age, burial or gender archaeology, together with strong knowledge of Scandinavian archaeology and burial practices. Experience working across archaeological datasets, independent research ability and effective collaboration are important. Candidates should also demonstrate an international research profile or clear potential to develop one and have fluency in written and spoken English.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Position in Viking-Age Archaeology
- Official Reference number: ID: 166338
- Institution: Aarhus University, Denmark
- Department: Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, School of Culture and Society, Faculty of Arts
- Research Discipline(s): Viking-Age Archaeology; Burial Archaeology; Gender Archaeology
- Location: Højbjerg, Denmark
- Job Type: Postdoctoral
- Contract Duration: 18 months
- Salary/Funding: Not specified
- Required Qualification: PhD or equivalent academic qualification in archaeology or a related field
Research Areas
The position covers several connected areas within archaeology and heritage research:
- Viking-Age archaeology
- Burial archaeology
- Gender archaeology
- Scandinavian archaeology
- Archaeological scientific analysis
- Identity and burial practices
Eligibility/ Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A PhD or equivalent qualification in archaeology or a related field, with doctoral-level research experience in Viking-Age, burial or gender archaeology.
- Strong knowledge of Scandinavian archaeology during the Viking Age, particularly burial practices, with experience combining archaeological evidence and scientific analysis.
- A structured and independent approach to research, along with the ability to work effectively with project partners and research teams.
- An international research profile, or clear potential to develop one through research, publications and academic collaboration.
- Fluency in written and spoken English, with a willingness to learn Danish if not already familiar with the language.
Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will be expected to:
- Contextualise scientific analysis results alongside archaeological burial evidence.
- Contribute to sample selection for sex estimation using proteomic analysis of tooth enamel.
- Discuss scientific findings with project partners in relation to burial practices, gender and identity.
- Develop theoretically informed research on gender and identity in the Viking Age.
- Present research at international meetings and publish in peer-reviewed international journals.
- Co-organise a conference connected with the research project.
Application Process
Applicants should submit their application through Aarhus University’s recruitment system in English. The application should demonstrate how their research experience relates to the position and should include the required academic documentation and publications.
Required documents
- Up-to-date academic CV with a complete list of publications.
- Concise motivation statement explaining how the applicant’s experience relates to the position, maximum one page.
- Maximum of two publications.
- Copies of degree certificates and up to two examples of academic production.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Not specified in the advertisement
- Application Deadline: 3 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST
- Interview Period: Not specified in the advertisement
- Expected Start Date: 1 February 2027
Eligible archaeology researchers should review the official vacancy requirements and submit their complete application through Aarhus University’s recruitment system before 3 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Denmark Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology Research Positions
- Global Research Jobs
- Postdoctoral Research Opportunities
- Cultural Heritage Research Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 3 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualification in archaeology or a related field.
What does the postdoc research?
The position focuses on Viking-Age archaeology, particularly burial practices, gender, and identity through the IDUN research project.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit an academic CV with a complete publication list, a maximum one-page motivation statement, and up to two publications.
Is English required for the position?
Yes. Applicants need fluency in written and spoken English and should be willing to learn Danish if they do not already have Danish language skills.
About Aarhus University
Aarhus University is a leading research university in Denmark, offering education and research across a wide range of academic disciplines. The university has an international academic community of around 37,500 students and 9,000 employees. It provides opportunities for researchers, PhD students and academic staff to develop their work within a diverse research environment. Aarhus University also supports international researchers through services related to relocation, working conditions and career development. Its academic community values research, collaboration, knowledge development and engagement with society. For researchers seeking academic jobs in Denmark, Aarhus University offers opportunities across research, teaching and postgraduate education. The university’s broad academic profile makes it a relevant destination for scholars looking for postdoctoral positions, PhD opportunities and other research careers in Denmark.
For more archaeology, heritage, postdoctoral and academic research opportunities, explore the latest vacancies and research positions published on HigherJobz.
