Lund University
Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.
Lund University School of Economics and Management is one of eight faculties within Lund University. More than 4 000 students and 450 researchers, teachers and other staff are engaged here in training and research in economic history, business administration, business law, informatics, economics, statistics and research policy.
Lund University School of Economics and Management is accredited by the three largest and most influential accreditation institutes for business schools: EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB. Only just over 100 business schools in the world have achieved this prestigious Triple Crown accreditation.
The Centre for Economic Demography (CED, www.ed.lu.se) includes numerous researchers active in the fields of economic history, economics, social sciences, and medicine. Affiliated researchers work on economic and social issues connected to demography, from modern as well as historical perspectives. CED is administered by the Department of Economic History, which is a research-intensive department that employs about 70 people: researchers, teachers, technical/administrative staff, and Ph.D. candidates. The department has a large PhD programme and co-ordinates three international Master programmes. The Department has a well-established reputation for wide-ranging research with an emphasis on longterm processes, and with economic theory and quantitative methods as important methodological tools.
The department of Economic History employs around 70 researchers, teachers, doctoral candidates, and administrative personnel. Research at the department includes topics such as Economic demography, Economic development of the Global South, and Growth, technological change and inequality. More information is available at the www.ekh.lu.se.
Role and Responsibilities
We are recruiting one to two software developers with expertise in AI and machine learning for permanent positions within a research project focused on the transcription and linkage of historical individual-level data covering the entire Swedish population from 1800 to approximately 1950. The work is carried out within the national research infrastructure SwedPop and involves close collaboration with the National Archives of Sweden, the Stockholm City Archives, and Umeå University.
You will:
Develop and build a platform for linking historical source material. As part of this work, software will be developed to efficiently handle large volumes of heterogeneous data, from ingestion to processing and output of results. The software will be built within a Linux-based high-performance computing environment and will implement multiple machine learning–driven methods for linking individual-level data within a user-friendly and flexible interface.
Develop and build a platform for the transcription of historical source material. This includes the development of a pipeline for handwritten text recognition (HTR), incorporating iterative training and retraining of segmentation and transcription models. The pipeline will include manual annotation and correction as integral steps, requiring an annotation platform integrated with model training to enable continuous, iterative improvement of the models.
Eligibility criteria
Requirements for the position:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in computer science, artificial intelligence, computational science, or a related field.
- Documented expertise in machine learning, AI, and software development.
- Strong programming skills in Python and SQL.
- Proficiency in modern AI frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent.
- Proficiency in Linux-based environments.
- Fluency in Swedish, both spoken and written.
- Excellent communication skills in English.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Preferred qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to train large-scale models and work with GPU clusters.
- Demonstrated ability in distributed training and optimization of AI workflows.
- Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript and C++/Rust.
- Familiarity with HTR/OCR processes.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to large-scale annotation projects for AI model development.
- Interest in historical demographic research.
- Familiarity with research infrastructures.
Other information
The position is permanent and full-time (100%). The starting date is in August 2026 or as agreed upon. A probationary period may be applied.
Number of positions: 1-2
We offer
Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee:
International employees are offered support in relocating to Sweden and are given the opportunity to learn Swedish through the university. Through the International Citizen Hub Lund, you can access support and activities for any accompanying family members
How to apply
The application should include a CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation for applying and how your qualifications match the requirements of the position. The application should also include degree certificates or equivalent documentation, as well as any additional materials you wish to submit (e.g. copies of transcripts, contact details for referees, letters of recommendation, etc.).
We look forward to receiving your application!
We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.
| Type of employment | Permanent position |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| First day of employment | August 2026 or by agreement |
| Salary | Månadslön |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Full-time equivalent | 100 |
| City | Lund |
| County | Skåne län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | PA2026/1288 |
| Contact | Jonas Helgertz, jonas.helgertz@ekh.lu.se |
| Union representative | SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366, sekocivil@seko.lu.seOFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362, st@st.lu.seSACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-2220000, kansli@saco-s.lu.se |
| Published | 22.Apr.2026 |
| Last application date | 24.May.2026 |