Postdoctoral Position in Humanities

The position is a fixed term position for 2 years.

Introduction
Rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) start having an impact in the Humanities. Large Language Models (LLMs) and other Generative AI techniques hold the promise of allowing for scaling up the processing and access to digital cultural heritage. A wide array of previously unthinkable applications are now within reach. We are looking for a talented and ambitious postdoctoral researcher, with or without previous experience in the role, who can combine independent research with team collaboration. You will have the opportunity to research, develop and validate impactful AI applications at the forefront of Humanities research, and publish in top venues as part of a growing and dynamic group. 

The University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Humanities is launching an ambitious new agenda focused on Digital and Computational Humanities. A new Center for supporting research in Digital and Computational Humanities is being opened as part of this initiative, staffed with senior software and machine learning engineers, and data scientists. The Centre has the goal of fostering and supporting computational research across all the Faculty of Humanities.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Postdoc will join Professor Colavizza at the Department of Communication and be seconded at the Center. The Postdoc is to lead in the research, development, and evaluation of novel AI applications in support of Humanities research. The focus will be on applications developed using the latest Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI techniques. The specific topic is left open to match the interests of the researcher. Topics of interest include:

• Pushing the boundary in the automatic text recognition of printed and handwritten primary sources using LLMs.
• Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) applications, for example to support sifting and better understanding scholarly literature, and for reliably querying large collections of primary sources.
• Agent orchestration systems to query cultural heritage collections across the endpoints of different organizations and their collections.
• Automatic metadata generation for the fast indexation of cultural heritage artefacts, primary and secondary sources.
• Developing benchmarks and probing what LLMs know about Humanities knowledge and cultural heritage.

Every application poses distinct challenges and open research questions. Therefore, a significant component of research and development is expected. Furthermore, emphasis is put on the evaluation of results (e.g., by developing novel benchmarks) and the open-source publication of the outcomes. The candidates are encouraged to state their preferred topics and/or propose their own topics of interest.

Your tasks and responsibilities
You are expected to:

• conduct independent research on any of the above topics, drawing on approaches from Machine Learning/AI, Digital/Computational Humanities, and relevant Humanities disciplines;
• publish and present research results in leading international conferences and journals;
• participate in the Center’s relevant activities and other relevant networks.

This position is fully focused on research, there will be no teaching obligations.

Qualification requirements and assessment criteria
Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

More information on careers at UCPH and the requirement for the different academic positions is available on: Career at The University of Copenhagen – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk).

For more about Postdoc positions and qualification requirements, please see the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities: Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (ufm.dk).

We are looking for a candidate with:

• a completed (by the start of the appointment) PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, Digital and Computational Humanities, or related fields;
• a demonstrable experience in the development of research software or AI applications;
• strong Python skills;
• an interest in cultural heritage or any domain in the Humanities;
• a strong academic performance in university-level courses in the relevant subjects, and excellent research skills demonstrated by an outstanding doctoral thesis;
• a strong cooperative attitude and interest in working collaboratively with other researchers and external stakeholders;
• a professional command of English and good presentation skills.

Applicants will primarily be assessed in relation to their research qualifications, including their publications, ability to conduct independent research and participate in research collaborations, and their experience of research management. In addition, the applicant’s research potential will be assessed in relation to the overall job content described above.

Application
Applications must be submitted online in PDF or Word format. Click on the “Apply now” button at the bottom of this advertisement to apply.

Applications may be written in English and must include the following attachments:  

1. A letter of motivation of maximum 2 pages, explaining which topics listed above or propsed by yourself are most of interest to you.
2. A detailed CV.
3. Documentation of qualifications (exam certificates and PhD diploma, with grades).
4. A complete list of publications (attached publications must be marked with an asterisk). Applicants should attach a maximum of 3 publications for assessment.

Only documentation in English will be assessed. Diplomas and supplements can be in English or any Scandinavian language.

Applicants are invited to familiarize themselves with the faculty’s strategic landmarks here: Strategic landmarks – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk).

Salary and terms of employment
Terms of appointment and salary will be in accordance with an agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The salary range starts at DKK 38,576 (EUR 5,213) + a 17,1 % contribution to the pension scheme. The salary can be negotiated based on qualifications. It is also possible to negotiate salary supplements on an annual basis.

The recruitment process
Once the deadline for applications has expired, the Head of Department will consider advice from the appointment committee and select applicants for assessment. All applicants will be notified whether they have been shortlisted. The Head of Department will then set up an expert assessment committee to consider the applications. The selected applicants will be informed who is serving on the committee. They will be offered the opportunity to comment on the committee’s assessment of their application before the appointment is announced.

Further information on the recruitment process at University of Copenhagen can be found here: Recruitment process – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk).

An Equal Opportunity Workplace
The University of Copenhagen is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity etc. For more on the diverse working place environment at the University and the University’s participation in the HRS4R HR Excellence in Research, see: HR Excellence in Research – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk).

International applicant?
The University of Copenhagen offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during your relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about these services as well as information on entering and working in Denmark here: For international researchers at the University of Copenhagen – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk).

Contact information
Information about the recruitment process is available from HR, email: hrsc@hrsc.ku.dk. Please refer to ID number: 211-2005/24-2I #1.

Additional information about the position can be obtained from Professor Giovanni Colavizza, email: colavizza@hum.ku.dk.

The deadline for applications is 5 January 2025 at 23:59 CET.

Any applications or additional material submitted after the deadline will not be considered. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.