Postdoctoral fellow in Economic History

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. TheUniversity has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg andMalmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the humancondition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard genderequality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Lund University School of Economics and Management is one of eight faculties within Lund University. More than 4 000 students and 450 researchers, teachers and other staff are engaged here in training and research in economic history, business administration, business law, informatics, economics, statistics
and research policy.

Lund University School of Economics and Management is accredited by the three largest and mostinfluential accreditation institutes for business schools: EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB. Only just over 100business schools in the world have achieved this prestigious Triple Crown accreditation.

The Department of Economic History has a well-established reputation for wide-ranging research programmes with an emphasis on long-term processes, based on economic theory and quantitative methods as important tools. The research topics are oriented towards issues of high relevance for society. The Department has an acknowledged international publication record and is very successful at attracting external funding. More than 80 percent of the Department’s total budget is dedicated to research. The staff is young and international, with some 30 countries represented. They have extensive international networks and are well represented at international research conferences. There is a linkage between strong research areas and the development of teaching.

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you receive special benefits, generous vacation and a favourable occupational pension. Wellness reimbursement and a paid wellness hour are a given.

Postdoctoral fellow in Economic History

The Department of Economic history is hiring two Postdoctoral Researchers in the Wallenberg Academy Fellow project Diseases on the Move: Understanding Long-Term Disease Patterns in Africa, 1850–1960. The project is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and will run until July 2028. It is led by Professor Jutta Bolt and aims to trace the historical dynamics of disease in Africa and assess how colonial governments sought to combat major epidemics.

The project draws on a unique body of historical sources: the annual colonial medical reports of both French and British colonies, which have already largely been digitized. The postdoctoral fellows will work on various projects concerning disease and healthcare developments, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a strong emphasis on GIS and spatial analysis. A central part of the work will be to trace the effectiveness of colonial health interventions across time and space, linking observed disease patterns to underlying geographical and socio-economic factors such as rivers, altitude, trade routes, settlement structures, and rainfall. This step will involve using spatial statistics and space–time modelling in GIS and/or statistical software (e.g. R) to visualize and analyze the spread and control of diseases in colonial Africa.

The fellows will work closely with the PI and other project members, contributing to joint publications while also developing their own research agenda within the scope of the project. The position may include a limited amount of teaching and/or supervision at the undergraduate or master’s level.

Eligibility/Entry Requirements

To be qualified for employment as Postdoctoral Fellow, an individual must hold a PhD in EconomicHistory or related discipline (e.g. Economics, Economic Geography, Statistics, History)awarded no more than three years ago). If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Applications will also be accepted from those who have not yet completed their PhD, but thiscondition must be satisfied at the time of employment.

Requirements

A high level of scholarly proficiency

Excellent proficiency in English.

Basis of Assessment

The candidate must have demonstrate a high degree of research expertise as manifested in the quality of the PhD dissertation and/orpublications. Documented experience of working with colonial documents and data and GIS experience are required, as well as documented experience with data management and statistical analysis using STATA or R.

The evaluation will take personal qualities, such as willingness to collaborate, academic independence,and communication skills, into consideration.

Application

Applications should be written in English and must include:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Publication list Certificates
4. Two reference letters

Lund University promotes an equal opportunities code. We encourage both men and women to apply forthis position.

Applications are due by 31 December 2025.

Terms of employment

First day of employment: March 1, 2026 or after agreement

Type of employment: Limit of tenure, two years

Extent: 100%