Research assistant position for the Historical Economics and Development Group (HEDG) and a research project on social mobility and human capital in the Nordic countries at the Department of Economics

Applications are invited for a 1-year full-time research assistant position/videnskabelig assistent (pre-doc) for the Historical Economics and Research Group (HEDG) and a research project on social mobility and human capital in the Nordic countries at the Department of Economics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense.

The starting date is flexible, but we hope to welcome our new colleague on 1 August 2023.

Job description

The Department of Economics is an international department with a strong tradition for excellence in research and teaching within the various areas of economics. The research, teaching, and dissemination activities at the department are organized within four groups: Econometrics and Data Science; Economic History; Macroeconomics; and Microeconomics. A more elaborated description of the department and the groups can be found on the department website.

The research assistant will be affiliated to the Historical Economics and Development Group. The Historical Economics and Development Group (HEDG) focuses on research in Economic History with a strong quantitative focus. HEDG is internationally acknowledged as a leading research group and attracts substantial grants and media coverage, as well as publishing books and articles with top outlets.

Also, the candidate will support an international team of researchers who are involved in a prestigious research project on social mobility and human capital in the Nordic countries funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (for more information see link), headed by Professor Gregory Clark, a world-renowned researcher in Economic History.

As research assistant you will support faculty members in various research and administrative tasks, including but not limited to:

• Basic statistical and econometric work
• Creating maps with GIS
• Data entry
• Conducting literature reviews
• Preparing, maintaining, and updating website materials
• Facilitating grant applications and administration
• General support of the work of the HEDG researchers and their wider research environment

We offer a vibrant and stimulating research environment. You will be encouraged to participate actively in the life of the department and HEDG, including for example attending research seminars.

The position is time limited to 1 year, with the possibility of extension. Progress towards a PhD scholarship will depend on finding a potential supervisor and applying for grants together with him/her.

The candidate

We are looking for a strong candidate, preferably with an interest and even experience in working with quantitative economic history. We expect you to have the following skills and proficiencies:

• Communications
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Technical skills
• Statistical, econometric, and graphical analysis of data
• Planning and scheduling
• Good English skills, both written and spoken at a high level
• At least a master’s degree in economics, economic history, or related disciplines

In our evaluation of the applications, we will prioritize:

• Academic competences, i.e., the quality of academic diplomas, grades etc.
• Previous experience with research assistance

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Gregory Clark, email:  [email protected]. For general questions regarding housing, taxes etc., the SDU’s International Staff Office can assist - see link.

Application, salary, etc.

Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

An application must include:

• Motivation letter
• Detailed CV
• Academic certificates/Diplomas
• Your master's thesis or other relevant work.
• Information on experience from former employments
• References

All non-Danish documents must be translated into English.

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. The committee may request additional information, and if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material.

When the assessment committee has submitted its report, the applicant will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns him/her. The assessment committee evaluates the applications based on the appointment guidelines of the department. 

Applications that are incomplete with regard to the above requirements will not be assessed by the committee.

Shortlisting and tests may be used in the assessment process.

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

As part of the overall assessment of the applicant’s qualifications, an interview may be applied.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online" on our website. Uploaded files must be in Adobe PDF (unlocked) or Word format.

Read the guideline for applicants.

Each field can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb.