Researcher Economic history 100% - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Economic History is a research-intensive department that employs about 80 people: researchers, teachers, technical/administrative staff, and Ph.D. candidates. The department has a large PhD programme and co-ordinates three international Master programmes. The Department has a well established reputation for wide-ranging research with an emphasis on long-term processes, and with economic theory and quantitative methods as important methodological tools. Strong research areas at the department include economic growth and structural change, innovation, energy and sustainability, development economics, and economic demography, as well as financial history and education and the labour market. More information is available at the Department’s website. 

Lund University invites applications for a researcher position at the Department of Economic History, Lund University School of Economics and Management. The appointment is scheduled to begin on October 20, 2025, and will run until January 20, 2026 with the possibility for an additional 5–7 months. . The employment is 100 percent of full time. 

About the Role

We invite applications for a researcher position at the Department of Economic History at Lund University, Sweden. The researcher will be affiliated with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) - NEPAD African Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (ASTII) initiative and flagship graduate-level capacity building program Innovation, Transformation and Resilience for Sustainable Development under the financial support of SIDA. The ASTII initiative is currently approaching the end of its fourth phase and preparing for an extension with additional pilot work packages.

The researcher will contribute to the development of international collaboration, policy engagement, and knowledge co-creation on the topic of industrialization, structural change and transformation for sustainable and inclusive. The geographic focus is the African continent with comparative perspectives across the continent welcomed. 

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with researchers and project managers at Lund University, AUDA-NEPAD, and other actors part of the ASTII Phase 4 consortium.

Position instructions

The main tasks for the position will be linked closely to the broader ASTII initiative and capacity building program objectives. The successful candidate will carry out collaborative and interdisciplinary research that involves desk-based and empirical mixed methods as well as engagement with actors part of the ASTII Phase 4 consortium. This includes examining how governance frameworks and policy instruments (especially industrial policy and STI policy) foster sustainable structural transformation. The work encompasses case study analysis of particular countries and strategic sectors. It may also include exploring organizations’ and institutions’ (with a focus on AUDA-NEPAD and the ASTII Technical Advisory Group) effectiveness in innovation data measurement and collection.

 Interest in monitoring and analysis of Innovation Hubs in Africa is also expected. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel to partner sites as part of these responsibilities. The main workplace is at the Department of Economic History in Lund.

The position also consists of administrative responsibilities, and teaching (at least 20%).

Qualifications

Requirements

We seek a researcher with a PhD in Economic History. Specifically, the researcher must demonstrate strong theoretical and empirical expertise in modern African economic history, development, and political economy, focusing on innovation and/or industrial policy as a driver of inclusive and sustainable structural transformation.

The role requires demonstrated commitment to international research partnerships and documented experience of collaborative engagement with a diversity of stakeholders (both academic and non-academic) across Africa. The role requires documented pedagogical competence.

Meritorious qualifications

The following will strengthen a candidate’s profile:

- Documented publication experience and good academic writing skills, including the ability to contribute to well-structured manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.

- Proficiency in analysis and research approaches related to the sustainability and equity implications of innovation and/or industrial policy in Africa.

- Experience with Research and Development (R&D) and/or innovation data collection initiatives within the African Union.

- Experience with STI capacity building programs and initiatives between AU and EU partners (especially AUDA-NEPAD and Lund University).

- Experience with teaching Economic History

- Strong interpersonal skills, independence, and collaborative ability will be considered important aspects of personal suitability

Application

A complete application consists of:

1. Cover letter motivating your interest in the position (max 1 page)
2. CV, including publication list and teaching experience
3. Research proposal (max 2 pages)
4. Documentation of qualifications in teaching and research

Please include names and contact information for two academic or professional references who can speak to your professional and teamwork abilities.

Other 

Please note your salary requirement in your application.