Postdoc Position in Theology

Lund University

The Faculties of Humanities and Theology

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö.

We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

The Department of Archaeology and Ancient History is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a fixed-term two-year position.

The post is linked to the project:

“Climate Cooling from Volcanic Super-eruptions and European Epidemics during Preindustrial Times”

within the Division of Historical Osteology.

The Research Project

The project investigates the link between abrupt climate cooling following major volcanic eruptions and outbreaks of infectious diseases, focusing on both ecological mechanisms and how people’s living conditions change as a result of, for example:

• crop failures,
• malnutrition,
• migration,
• overcrowding.

By combining archaeological and historical data with modelling, epidemics of plague, typhoid, and cholera are analysed.

A new climate-driven human-ecological model for disease spread will be developed and used in both case studies and global simulations.

The aim is to provide new insights into how natural disasters, climate change, and epidemics are interlinked, with implications for both historical research and the understanding of climate-related health crises.

Tasks and Responsibilities

In this project, you will investigate how climate-related crises, deteriorating living conditions, and epidemics are reflected in pre-industrial societies through bone material.

Quantitative methods and modelling are important tools, but the focus is on interpreting long-term societal changes from an archaeological and historical perspective.

Main Responsibilities

• Analyse human osteological material from the Iron Age
• Select bone material for analysis
• Contribute to archaeological and historical interpretation of societal change

The position is a career development post intended to provide opportunities to deepen and broaden research expertise.

The position also includes:

• some pedagogical training;
• possible teaching, supervision, and related duties,
• up to a maximum of one-fifth of working time.

What We Offer

As a Postdoc, you are provided with an opportunity to develop your independence as a researcher with support from senior colleagues.

Employment Terms

• Fixed-term appointment: 2 years
• Full-time position
• In accordance with the Agreement regarding fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow

International employees are supported in their move to Sweden. If you have a family, they will find new contacts and support through Lund’s International Citizen Hub.

As a government agency, Lund University offers:

• generous holidays,
• favourable occupational pension,
• special employment benefits.

More Information

• Work at Lund University
• Department of Archaeology and Ancient History

Learn more about:

• Working in Lund
• Moving to Lund
• Living in Lund

Qualifications

The position requires:

• a PhD in historical osteology, bioarchaeology, or another related subject relevant to the project’s focus;
• documented academic ability;
• very good command of spoken and written English.

Assessment will primarily be based on:

• research merits,
• research potential,
• competence within the subject area.

Qualification Requirements

• Doctoral degree or equivalent international degree in historical osteology, bioarchaeology, or another related field relevant to the project
• Ability to develop and carry out high-quality research
• Teaching skills
• No prior employment as a postdoc under the current agreement for more than one year in the same or related subject area at Lund University
• Documented experience conducting demographic research on archaeological/historical issues
• Ability to work in a structured and independent manner
• Good teamwork skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Desired Qualifications

• Doctoral degree completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience using scientific methods relevant to the research task, such as:Experience working on interdisciplinary projects
  • modelling of 14C dates,
  • use of DNA to identify infectious diseases

Special circumstances such as illness, parental leave, trade union duties, military service, or relevant assignments may be deducted from the three-year limit.

Terms

• Type of employment: Temporary position
• Contract type: Full time
• First day of employment: 1 October 2026 or by agreement
• Salary: Monthly salary
• Number of positions: 1
• Full-time equivalent: 100%
• City: Lund
• County: Skåne län
• Country: Sweden
• Reference number: PA2026/1385

How to Apply

Your application should be written in English and include:

• CV
• Personal letter explaining your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications
• Copy of your doctoral degree certificate
• List of publications (including DOI, ISBN, or ISSN numbers)
• Doctoral thesis

In addition to the doctoral thesis, it is possible to submit up to five publications.

Application Deadline

8 June 2026

Published

6 May 2026

About the Joint Faculties of the Humanities and Theology

The Joint Faculties of the Humanities and Theology have seven departments and conduct extensive research and education aimed at understanding people as cultural and social beings.

The faculties have:

• around 700 employees,
• around 4,000 students.

About the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History

The Department of Archaeology and Ancient History is one of the oldest and largest archaeological departments in Sweden and offers a vital environment for research and teaching.

The department consists of four subjects:

• Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
• Archaeology
• Historical Archaeology
• Historical Osteology

These subjects work with different source materials, methods, and theoretical perspectives, which is considered a major strength for both research and education.

Students often combine subjects to obtain a personally adapted degree.

Contact

Project Leader

• Torbjörn Ahlström
  Email: torbjorn.ahlstrom@ark.lu.se

Union Representatives

• SACO: Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet
  Tel: 046-2220000
  Email: kansli@saco-s.lu.se
• OFR/ST: Fackförbundet ST:s kansli
  Tel: 046-2229362
  Email: st@st.lu.se
• SEKO: Seko Civil
  Tel: 046-2229366
  Email: sekocivil@seko.lu.se