Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Mathematics programme. The position is available from February 2026 or later.

Title:
Sovereign Flowers: Flora Danica and the Emergence of the National Flora, 1750–1900

Research area and project description:
The Centre for Science Studies, Aarhus University is inviting applications for a three-year fully-funded PhD position within the field of history of science and ideas. The candidate is expected to begin their PhD studies on February 1, 2026, or shortly thereafter.

The PhD position is advertised as part of the project “Sovereign Flowers: Flora Danica and the Emergence of the National Flora, 1750–1900” funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark and led by PI Christoffer Basse Eriksen. The project aims to carry out the first large-scale study of the making of the Flora Danica (1761–1883) and investigate its importance for the emergence of the national flora as a genre.

The successful candidate will conduct research on the making of the Flora Danica and its scientific, political and cultural impact in Northern Europe, and contribute to the organization of workshops and other project activities. Their research will contribute with a dissertation focusing on the Flora Danica volumes published in the period 1785–1840 with attention to the spread of Danish Linnaeanism through the Flora Danica project. The candidate will identify and examine episodes of specimen collecting, botanical collaboration, visual representation, and/or circulation of letters relating to the Flora Danica based on archival research in Danish and Northern-European libraries and archives.

The PhD student will be free to shape their research agenda and approach to this topic in accordance with their broader research interests, expertise, and career development. The PhD candidate will be supervised by Christoffer Basse Eriksen (Aarhus University) along with co-supervisor Staffan Müller-Wille (University of Cambridge). The position comes with available funding for archival trips, conference participation, and a research stay at University of Cambridge.

Application procedure

The application should consist of:

1. A cover letter
2. A research plan (max. 1000 words), outlining a PhD project addressing the history of Danish botany and the Flora Danica in the period 1785–1840.
3. Full academic CV
4. 2 letters of reference

Qualifications and specific competences:
A relevant master’s degree (or equivalent) is required for enrolment in the PhD program. The degree must be obtained at the enrolment date. Such a degree could be in disciplines such as history, history of science, history of ideas, art history, or literature. In the assessment, emphasis will be placed on knowledge of the research fields of history of natural history, book history, and/or visual epistemology, and an interest in working with materials relating to 18th and 19th century science. Experience with archival work and/or knowledge of Scandinavian languages is an advantage, though not a requirement.

For questions or further information, please contact Christoffer Basse Eriksen (cbe@css.au.dk)

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Centre for Science Studies, Department of Mathematics, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 118, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark,

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:

Christoffer Basse Eriksen (Aarhus), cbe@css.au.dk

Staffan Müller-Wille (Cambridge), sewm3@cam.ac.uk

How to apply:

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.

When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 June 2025)

1. Choose August 2025 Call with deadline 1 November 2025 at 23:59 CET.
2. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Mathematics”.
3. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Sovereign Flowers: Flora Danica and the Emergence of the National Flora, 1750–1900 (SFFDEN)”

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.