Post-Doctoral Researcher in Old Norse-Viking Studies and Politics (NorseMap Project) University College Cork in Ireland

The School of English and Digital Humanities at University College Cork invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Researcher to lead the Politics & Identity strand of the NorseMap Project. This five-year, European Research Council-funded initiative employs citizen science methodologies to map the legacy and reception of the Vikings across Europe, focusing on how responses to the Viking past have evolved over time. The successful candidate will have expertise in Old Norse-Viking Studies and/or Politics, with a research background in the politicisation of the Viking past, contemporary ethnonationalist movements, online extremism, and the spread of disinformation.

The role involves gathering and integrating data on the political uses of the Vikings in both historical and contemporary contexts, particularly in online spaces, and identifying networks of influence and case studies that illustrate the evolution of ideas about the Vikings in politics and identity formation. A key focus will be on comparing the use of Vikings in ethnonationalist discourse in Scandinavia and other European contexts, with a particular interest in Eastern Europe. Candidates with expertise in the reception of the Vikings in Poland, Ukraine, or the Baltic States, or with relevant linguistic skills, are especially encouraged to apply.

The position requires experience in public engagement, ethnographic research, and online surveys. The postdoctoral researcher will also contribute to the community collection and public engagement aspects of the project, and will be expected to produce a monograph as part of a series on the Viking legacy. The role offers the opportunity to join a dynamic research team and play a leading part in a major international project.

The position is full-time and temporary, with salary and terms in accordance with Irish HEI postdoctoral researcher scales. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate appropriate research experience and technical competence. Proficiency in another European language, especially Scandinavian, Polish, or Ukrainian, is desirable. The application deadline is December 8, 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit the University College Cork website or contact [email protected].