Vacant Positions

We are looking for a doctoral researcher in the field of X-ray phase-contrast imaging to work on deciphering writings composed of carbon-based inks. The deadline for applications is 2 November 2025.

The position is part-time (75% of standard work hours per week) and fixed-term, with a duration of three and a half years (1 January 2026 to 30 June 2029). 

X-ray imaging is a non-invasive technique that allows to investigate the inner structure of samples without destructive sample preparation. However, certain writings composed of carbon-based inks are often difficult to separate from their support and require more advanced X-ray analytical methods. The aim of this project is to investigate the applicability of X-ray phase-contrast imaging to enhance the X-ray optical contrast required to visualise writings using carbon-based inks in layered structures, such as bookbinding boards, mummy cartonnage, or damaged compact stacks of leaves.

Your core responsibility is to pursue your research project. You will actively contribute to the cluster’s interdisciplinary Graduate School and collaborative research activities. Activities include participation in research meetings, organising scholarly events and developing relevant networks.

Furthermore, a new laboratory environment for X-ray phase-contrast imaging is currently being developed at the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY). Responsibilities in this phase will include designing, implementing and commissioning the new setup. In collaboration with the Mobile Lab, this setup will then be used to investigate the performance of magnified X-ray phase-contrast imaging on mock-up and cultural heritage samples.

The deadline for applications is 2 November 2025. 

More information on the position and how to apply is available here.

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We are looking for a doctoral researcher for the project 'Written artefacts as evidence-based systematic lenses into history: From dataset references to vivid argumentation support with AI technology'. The deadline for applications is 10 November 2025.

The position is part-time (100% of standard work hours per week) and fixed-term, with a duration of three and a half years (1 January 2026 to 30 June 2029).

The Cluster of Excellence ‘Understanding Written Artefacts’ (UWA) is looking for a doctoral researcher in the field of Scientific Argumentation Support with Probabilistic Causal Relational Foundation Models. UWA offers an exciting opportunity to research handwritten artefacts across materials, periods and regions within a collaborative team of doctoral, postdoctoral and senior/professorial researchers. You will be part of an international team of researchers from across over forty disciplines in the Humanities, the Natural Sciences and Computer Science. The Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures is by now the largest research centre of its kind worldwide and offers a uniquely dynamic research environment.

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

Your core responsibility is to pursue your research project, involving the development of a probabilistic causal relational foundation model for scientific argumentation support. You will contribute to the research activities of the cluster UWA, including meetings, seminars, and collaborative projects. You will join the cluster’s Graduate School and participate actively in its colloquia and collaborative research networks. Eventually, you will be part of the Institute for Humanities-Centred AI (CHAI).

The deadline for applications is 10 November 2025.

More information on the position and how to apply is available here.