Research Assistant at the Department of History

The Department of History at Stockholm University offers education in history at the undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels.

We have a wide range of courses and programs. The department also offers a cultural studies program and a publishing program. The Department of History has a vibrant research environment organized into various profile areas. The department has about 70 employees, of which around ten are administrative staff. We are now looking for a research assistant.

More information about us can be found at: https://www.su.se/enheter/historiska-institutionen (https://www.su.se/enheter/historiska-institutionen).

Job Responsibilities

The primary task of the research assistant will be to assist with the collection and processing of data in a research project on colonial treaties as part of the global historical research program "Imperialist Expansion and Intercultural Diplomacy: International Treaties and Negotiations in Southeast Asia (1750-1920)". The program examines the often-overlooked role that international treaties played in imperial expansion and is funded by the Swedish Research Council (January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2028).

The tasks include collecting and registering empirical data on the content and nature of treaties, as well as metadata from historical treaties to systematically study all approximately 1200 treaties written between a European, American, or Japanese colonial power and a kingdom in Southeast Asia from around 1750 to 1920. Additionally, the research assistant will assist in establishing a searchable database of the treaties, manage the project's website, and organize seminars, conferences, and other research-related activities. The research assistant will work closely with a member of the research environment.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone with a master's degree in history or another related humanities subject (e.g., intellectual history or religious studies). The applicant should:

• have excellent knowledge of English, French, and preferably additional languages
• have good knowledge of Excel and database management
• be able to work independently.

Additionally, experience is required in:

• working as a research assistant in the humanities
• working with handwritten archival material from the 18th and 19th centuries
• working with source material in various languages and writing systems
• database software, particularly ArcGIS.

Experience with:

• using OCR software
• working in the cultural and heritage sector.

We are looking for someone who can quickly become self-sufficient in the work. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as teamwork and the ability to independently solve research-related tasks.

About the Employment

The position is for 30% of full-time and is temporary for 10 months. Start date is March 1, 2026, or by agreement. Stockholm University applies individual salary setting.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interaction between higher education and research, making Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international setting and enjoy favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information can be obtained from Administrative Manager Elena Zaravoutsi, phone 08-16 28 11, email: [email protected].

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.