Research Assistant at the National Archives of Sweden

Do you want to help make history searchable using AI? The National Archives of Sweden is now looking for up to two driven research assistants for our R&D function in Stockholm or Gothenburg.

About the Role

As a research assistant with us, you will be a key person in the effort to make our digital archives more accessible for research and the public. You will work at the intersection of humanities and technology, where your main task is to contribute to increased accessibility and higher quality in the National Archives' digital archives. You will belong to the National Archives' department for Research and Knowledge Development and be part of the Research and Development (R&D) function.

Your Main Responsibilities:

• AI Training and Quality Assurance: You will create and correct training data for the National Archives' AI models. This includes labeling layouts, transcribing texts, and correcting AI-generated results.
• User Support: You will organize workshops and develop training materials to help others use our tools and data.
• Communication: You will contribute to disseminating results from our research projects, both internally and externally.

Who Are You?

We are looking for someone at the beginning of their career who has a strong desire to learn. Since the role involves both careful independent work with data and outgoing work in workshops, we place great emphasis on your personal qualities.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has the ability to work focused and methodically, even with tasks that require endurance and high concentration.
• Is curious and unpretentious. You enjoy learning new tools and methods, and you see setbacks as a natural part of a learning process.
• Is a good communicator: You can explain complex things in a simple way and enjoy speaking in front of others.
• Has an eye for detail: You are meticulous and deliver data and results with high quality.

Your Qualifications:

• Academic degree at the master's level in humanities, social sciences, computer science, or another area that we consider relevant.
• Very good ability to express yourself verbally and in writing in both Swedish and English.

Meritorious:

• Experience in research projects or work with archival material in professional contexts.
• Experience in transcribing handwritten source material from the early modern period up to the 20th century.
• Experience in data processing or AI-based methods for text recognition, such as HTR or OCR (e.g., via Transkribus).
• Language skills in Latin, Old Swedish, Early Modern Swedish, or Modern Swedish.
• Competence in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or experience using historical maps as research material.
• Experience in communicating research results or conducting training sessions and workshops.

Employment Conditions

Employment type: Permanent.

Working hours: Full-time.

Workplace: Stockholm or Gothenburg.

Start date: As soon as possible or by agreement.

Apply by: 2026-04-13

The National Archives applies individual salary setting and a 6-month probationary period.

Citizenship and Security Clearance:

You must be a Swedish citizen as the position is classified. We will therefore conduct a security clearance with a background check according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585).

About the National Archives

The most important question for the National Archives is to ensure that information remains authentic, accessible, and usable today and for future generations. Rapid technological development and digitization have created new conditions for society's information management. In our role as the national archive, we are therefore in strong development to ensure long-term information management and digital governance.

Our mission is to ensure society's archival information and make it usable over time. Access to cultural heritage and authentic information that can be used in research, justice, and for public insight is fundamental to our democratic society. You can read more about us and our missions at riksarkivet.se.

About Research and Development (R&D) at the National Archives

The National Archives is an R&D authority tasked with conducting research and development initiatives in the cultural sector, often in close collaboration with universities and colleges. This position is part of a targeted investment in digitization and AI, where you will work together with lawyers, archivists, and technical specialists to create increased accessibility and more efficient information extraction. The work connects to the development of the research infrastructure National Archive Database (NAD) with a focus on new resources for research and co-creation. In collaboration with the National Archives' various departments, you will be part of a creative environment where your contribution makes a direct difference for future research and how cultural heritage is made accessible to the entire society.

In preparation for the recruitment process, the National Archives has made decisions regarding recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore kindly request no contact from media sellers, recruitment sites, or similar.