Predoc (fuldtids forskningsassistent) – HEDG, SDU i Odense

We invite applications for one or more full time, 1 year “predoc” (research assistant) positions at the Historical Economics and Development Group (HEDG) at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense. Extension of the positions may be possible. The workplace is at SDU's main campus in Odense, Denmark. The application deadline is April 1, 2026, 23:59 CEST/CEST.

The starting date is flexible, but we hope to welcome our new colleague on 15 August 2026.

Description

The successful applicant will join the Historical Economics and Development Group (HEDG), one of Europe’s leading centers for quantitative research in economic history, development, and long‑run growth.

Established in 2011 and led by Professor Paul Richard Sharp, HEDG conducts empirical research on the long‑term effects of interventions on economic outcomes. The group’s work spans four core themes: education and social mobility, arts and creativity, big data, and health and public health interventions.

The position will support research at HEDG and two research projects. The first, led by Professor Paul Richard Sharp and funded by the Carlsberg Foundation, DANTRADE (A Digital Infrastructure for Danish Trade and Tariff Statistics, 1830–2000), digitizes and harmonizes Danish historical trade, tariff, and treaty statistics into a documented, open-access database that enables new research on globalization, protectionism, and long-run economic development. The second, Private Foundations: Shaping Leadership in Medical Innovation and Addressing Inequalities in Health, led by Associate Professor Anthony Wray and funded by the Carlsberg Foundation, examines private investments and innovation in health care in the US during the early 20th century. Both projects rely on large historical datasets and combine advanced econometric techniques with innovative digital methods for digitizing, harmonizing, and analyzing historical sources.

The research environment also includes the DNRF Chair project led by Gregory Clark, which uses the historical data to reassess social mobility in Denmark and Norway over more than two centuries using multi-generational genealogies and new measurement techniques.

The successful applicant will assist with data management, archival research, and quantitative analysis.

The position is ideal for someone with a strong interest in research in economics and economic history. It offers hands‑on experience in data construction and analysis, statistical modeling, research communication, and academic writing. The primary task will be working with large datasets using statistical software, including cleaning, validating, and harmonizing data, as well as supporting econometric and statistical analyses.

The research assistant will also use large language models (LLMs) and related tools to support automated transcription, classification, and quality control of historical sources. The successful candidate will meet regularly with Sharp and Wray to discuss ongoing work, exchange ideas, and receive feedback. The candidate will also have access to seminars, workshops, and a wide range of activities organized by the HEDG group at SDU.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will have demonstrated quantitative skills, coding experience, and mathematical training, including:

• Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in economics, public policy, computer science, statistics, or a related field
• Proficiency in programming in R and/or Python
• Knowledge of basic regression analysis
• Strong academic record
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Danish
• Willingness to learn other software as needed (e.g., Python, Stata).
• Independent judgment, patience, and excellent communication skills are required to respond efficiently to varied/complex tasks
• Organization and attention to detail is a must
• Interest in working with large historical datasets and in data construction, validation, and documentation
• Interest in working with historical and archival source material, including printed statistical series, tariffs, and treaty texts

Preferred skills:

• Experience in conducting economic (or related) research, including data processing and analysis. This experience may come from work as a research assistant, independent research during higher education, or similar roles.
• Advanced coursework in economics and econometrics
• Proficient at programming in Stata and/or Python
• Proficiency in LaTeX
• Experience with digitization, OCR, text data, or other digital methods for working with historical or administrative sources
• Familiarity with reproducible research practices and structured data workflows

Further information about the position can be obtained from Head of Administration Astrid Holm Nielsen, e-mail: astni@sam.sdu.dk. For general questions regarding relocation, housing, taxes etc., contact the SDU’s International Staff Office.

For more information on the department guidelines for qualification and recruitment please see our Appointment Guidelines.

Application, salary etc.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and  taxation (See the guide “Working i Denmark”).

Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include the following:

• Motivation letter
• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment
• If relevant, a full list of publications
• If relevant, up to three scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated
• Copy of relevant diplomas

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now" on our website.

Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Living and working in Denmark

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The application deadline is April 1, 2026, 23:59 CEST/CEST.