The School of Culture and Society, Faculty of Arts, Aarhus University (AU), is hiring a Research Assistant in Classical Archaeology. The fixed-term, part-time position is based at the Department of History and Classical Studies in Aarhus C, Denmark. The Research Assistant will support research projects led by Professor Rubina Raja. The appointment runs from January to September 2027, with 25 hours of work each week.
The role supports research in Classical Archaeology, with relevant work connected to the archaeology and cultural heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean, Near East and Western Asia. The position contributes to research projects including LoCiS, which investigates local portrait cultures of ancient Western Asia and their relationships with different imperial hegemonies.
The Research Assistant will support large research and publication projects through copyediting and indexing, data collection, management and supervised analysis. The role also includes literature searches, image processing, and support for funding applications and reporting to funding agencies.
For the role, applicants must hold an MA in Classical Archaeology and have proven experience in the archaeology and cultural heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean, Near East and Western Asia. Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of French, German or Italian is relevant. Strong editorial, organisational, analytical and collaborative skills are also expected.
Position Details
- Position: Research Assistant in Classical Archaeology
- Official Reference Number: 169016
- Institution: Aarhus University, Denmark
- Department: Department of History and Classical Studies
- Research Discipline(s): Classical Archaeology; Archaeology; Cultural Heritage
- Location: Aarhus C, Denmark
- Job Type: Research Assistant
- Contract Duration: 1 January 2027 – 30 September 2027
- Start Date: January 2027
- Working Hours: 25 hours per week
- Salary: Base pay level 4–8, with additional supplements according to the applicable collective agreement
- Required Qualification: MA in Classical Archaeology
Research Areas
The position covers several closely related areas of Classical Archaeology and ancient Western Asian studies:
- Classical Archaeology
- Archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean
- Archaeology of the Near East
- Archaeology of Western Asia
- Cultural Heritage
- Ancient portrait cultures
- Local and regional identities in antiquity
- Imperial hegemonies and regional interactions
- Research and publication projects
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- MA in Classical Archaeology
- Proven experience in the archaeology and cultural heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean, Near East and Western Asia
- Fluency in spoken and written English, with knowledge of French, German or Italian considered relevant
- Experience in editorial work, copyediting, proofreading and information gathering
- A structured and source-critical approach, with strong attention to detail
- Strong organisational, time-management and communication skills, with the ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to coordinate data collection, publication processes and collaborative research tasks
- Flexibility to manage multiple assignments according to their priorities and deadlines
Key Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will be responsible for supporting the research projects headed by Professor Rubina Raja. The main duties include:
- Supporting large research and publication projects, including copyediting and indexing
- Collecting and managing research data
- Conducting data analysis under supervision
- Performing Classical Archaeology research tasks, including literature searches
- Processing images for research activities
- Supporting funding applications and reporting to funding agencies
Application Process
Applications must be submitted electronically through Aarhus University’s recruitment system using the online application form provided with the vacancy. Applicants without a Danish CPR number can continue through the application system using email and password.
Required Documents
- CV
- Cover letter
- Diploma
- Video CV
The Faculty of Arts also provides broader application guidance concerning academic qualifications and supporting documentation. Applicants should follow the specific requirements displayed in the vacancy’s application system.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 October 2026, 23:59 CEST
- Expected Start Date: January 2027
Eligible candidates should submit their application through the official Aarhus University recruitment system before the stated deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology Research Jobs
- Academic Jobs in Denmark
- Cultural Heritage Opportunities
- Ancient Studies Research Jobs
- Mediterranean Studies Positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an archaeology position?
Yes. The position includes research tasks within Classical Archaeology and requires an MA in Classical Archaeology.
What degree is required for the Research Assistant position?
Applicants must hold an MA in Classical Archaeology.
What archaeological regions are relevant to the position?
Applicants are expected to have proven experience in the archaeology and cultural heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean, Near East and Western Asia.
Is this a full-time position?
No. It is a fixed-term part-time position requiring 25 hours per week.
What are the main research activities?
The role includes research and publication support, data collection and management, supervised analysis, literature searches, image processing, copyediting and indexing.
When does the appointment start?
The appointment is scheduled to start on 1 January 2027 and run until 30 September 2027.
Institutional Overview
Aarhus University is a research university in Aarhus, Denmark. It offers teaching and research across a broad range of academic disciplines and is organised into several faculties. The Faculty of Arts covers the humanities and related fields through its schools and departments. This position is based in the School of Culture and Society, which includes subjects such as archaeology, history and anthropology. The Department of History and Classical Studies is part of the school and brings together research in history and Classical Studies. Its Classical Studies section includes Classical Archaeology and Classical Philology, with work covering the cultures, societies and material remains of the ancient Mediterranean and their connections with neighbouring regions.
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