C²DH, in collaboration with the Technische Universität Darmstadt, is looking for PhD applicants in the history of digital history.

The Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C²DH) is looking for motivated and qualified candidates with an interest in the history of digital history to develop, with our help, an application for an individual AFR PhD grant (Luxemburg National Research Fund).

The doctoral project would take place within the framework of a new research project & network about the history of digital humanities that is currently being developed by Dr. Gerben Zaagsma (C²DH) and Prof. dr. Julianne Nyhan (Technische Universität Darmstadt/ University College London).

We are interested in applicants who seek to explore the nexus between (digital) technology and changing modes of historical knowledge production. Possible topics include but are not not limited to:

• The early beginnings of historical computing in the 1950s and 1960s or humanities research from this period or before that integrated algorithmic research methods or thinking, not necessarily using machines.
• The development of historical computing in the Eastern bloc.
• The international Association for History and Computing (1986-2005)

If selected for an AFR, the PhD candidate will be offered a work contract (up to 4 years) at the University of Luxemburg and will be jointly supervised by Dr. Zaagsma and Prof. Nyhan.

Your profile

Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a Master degree in History, Digital History or Humanities, or a related field in the Humanities

• Good verbal communication and academic writing skills in English;
• Linguistic skills corresponding to your chosen topic (German, Russian, others).
• Enthusiasm for research and critical thinking.

We actively encourage applicants from underrepresented social, economic, and cultural backgrounds to apply, as we strongly believe that an intercultural and diverse team strengthens the research and practice of digital history.

Successful AFR applicants will be offered:

• An exciting multi-disciplinary and international research environment with ample opportunities to exchange with scholars at the University of Luxembourg;
• A highly competitive salary for a full-time PhD position for a period of maximum 4 consecutive years (3+1 years);
• A package of mentoring, training and career development as well as access to a wide range of courses and seminars offered by the University of Luxembourg. A close connection with the Chair of Humanities Data Science and Methodology, TU Darmstadt will be encouraged, including the opportunity to actively participate in the research-related events and activities of the Chair, as mutually agreeable.

Doctoral candidates are encouraged to actively engage in disciplinary, interdisciplinary as well as transferable skills trainings and to develop their scientific profile and network through participation in international conferences.

How to apply?

Prepare your complete application including:

1. a cover letter including your personal motivation for the PhD project;
2. a CV (incl. links to publications and/or previous projects);
3. a project description for your PhD project (max. 2 pages) that includes the research area, and objectives.

Please send your application to gerben.zaagsma@uni.lu, whom you can also contact for questions.

The deadline for applications: 13 February 2023 at midnight CET (Luxembourg time) and candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application by 22 February. The deadline for submitting the AFR grant applications is 8 March 2023. The applicants will be informed by July 2023 whether the application has been accepted for funding.