Doctoral researcher in History of Computing

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C²DH) at the University of Luxembourg is an interdisciplinary research centre committed to high-quality research and public dissemination in the field of contemporary history with a particular focus on digital methods and tools.
The C²DH's ambition is to venture off the beaten track and find new ways of doing, teaching and presenting contemporary history of Luxembourg and the history of Europe in the 20th and 21st centuries. It serves as a catalyst for innovative and creative scholarship and new forms of public dissemination.

Your role

• Develop and complete a PhD thesis in the field of History of Computing or/and History of Digital Cultures
• Contribute to the research activities of the C2DH
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and scientific events
• Contribute to scholarly publications and knowledge dissemination
• Contribute to teaching and student supervision activities, in line with the University's doctoral training framework, e.g. guest lectures, tutorials, or support in courses related to digital history and European history

We explicitly welcome, amongst others, projects engaging with one or more of the following complementary perspectives:

• History of computing: broadly conceived, ranging for instance from the history of a company, a precise research centre or research field, to infrastructure studies, maintenance studies, business history, computing and environment, recycling
• History of labour: IT professionalisation, gender issues in computing, professional identities
• History of computerisation / digitalisation in a specific sector: administration, business, services, health
• History of datafication
• History of governance and/or regulation in the IT field
• History of standardisation and/or interoperability
• History of AI
• History of controversies surrounding computing: surveillance, tracking, privacy, piracy
• History of free and open-source movements, digital commons
• History of specific artefacts, languages, programs, platforms, devices: for instance floppy disks, storage, specific software or hardware, databases
• History of Computing or/and digital cultures and their representations: through specialised press, dedicated TV shows, cartoons, comics, advertising, movies

Your profile

• Master's degree in History, Digital Humanities, Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, or a related field
• Solid grounding in historical research and historiography, or a strong demonstrated interest in historical approaches
• Willingness and ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment
  

Language Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Short PhD project proposal (approx. 3 pages), expected to demonstrate the applicant's ability to independently formulate a viable doctoral research project based on concrete sources and research questions

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Planned Start Date: 1^st November 2026
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08259

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 43445 (full time).