Pre-doctoral researcher at the Historical Economics and Development Group (HEDG), Department of Economics, University of Southern Denmark

Applications are invited for a 1-year full-time research assistant (pre-doc) position (“research assistant”) at the Historical Economics and Development Group (HEDG), Department of Economics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. The starting date is flexible, but we hope to welcome our new colleague on August 15, 2025. 

Job Description

The Department of Economics is an international department with a strong tradition of 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 successful applicant joins 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 Sharp, HEDG conducts empirical research focused on the long-term effects of interventions on economic outcomes. 

The research assistant will support research at HEDG, and two research projects led by Associate Professors Volha Lazuka and Anthony Wray. 

Volha Lazuka’s project, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark examines the long-term social and economic effects of normalization reforms for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Denmark and Sweden, using register-based microdata and advanced econometric methods. Anthony Wray’s Carlsberg Foundation project investigates how philanthropic and corporate investments shaped medical innovation and health inequality before the rise of the welfare state, particularly in the United States. Both projects rely on historical microdata, advanced econometric techniques, and novel digital methods. 

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 position will involve hands-on experience in data analysis, statistical modeling, research communication, and academic writing. The most important task of the research assistant will be to use statistical software to work with large datasets. This work will involve the cleaning and development of data files as well as using econometric and statistical analysis to analyze the data. 

The research assistant will also work with large language models (LLMs) to develop automated processes for data transcription. The successful candidate will meet regularly with Lazuka, Sharp, and Wray to discuss their work, exchange ideas and receive feedback, and will have access to seminars, workshops, and a wide range of other activities organized by the HEDG group at SDU and the department of economics.

The position is ideal for someone with serious interest in economics research and an intention to apply to a PhD program in economics or a related field in the near future. 

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
• 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

Preferred skills:

• Significant 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

Further information about the position can be obtained from Astrid Holm Nielsen, e-mail astni@sam.sdu.dk

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:

• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment
• A full list of publications stating the 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". 

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 May 16, 2025.