Breaking: Medieval Data Scientist Needed – Unlocking Secrets of the Past with AI
LYON, FRANCE – November 17, 2025 – A fascinating and urgently needed role has opened up for a skilled ‘Designer Director’ to spearhead the development of AI-powered tools for analyzing encrypted data within medieval texts. This isn’t your typical history job; it’s a thrilling intersection of historical research, data science, and cutting-edge technology, and it’s making waves in the digital humanities community. This is breaking news for anyone passionate about bringing the past to life through innovative technology.
Deciphering the Middle Ages with Modern Technology
The 9-month fixed-term contract, based at the CIHAM offices in Lyon and Avignon, France, is linked to the Biblissima+ project, a significant initiative focused on creating exploratory repositories hosted on Huma-num. The core mission? To build a tool capable of identifying and extracting encrypted information hidden within medieval manuscripts. Think of it as a digital detective agency, but instead of solving modern crimes, we’re unraveling the mysteries of centuries past.
The successful candidate will be responsible for everything from structural analysis of ancient texts to designing data entry systems – potentially even incorporating historical currency conversion! The ultimate goal is to create a configurable analysis tool that produces compelling visual renderings of the data, allowing researchers to explore medieval history in entirely new ways. This isn’t just about digitizing texts; it’s about understanding them on a deeper level.
Skills Required: A Unique Blend of Expertise
This role demands a rather unique skillset. A BAC+3/4 level education (roughly equivalent to a Bachelor’s + some postgraduate work) is required, along with 1-4 years of experience. But it’s the specific technical skills that really set this opportunity apart. Proficiency in XML TEI, spreadsheets, and Named Entity Recognition (NER) technologies is essential. Mastery of Git for version control is a must, as is the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and understand the nuances of academic publishing.
While not strictly required, desired skills include scripting languages, experience with TEI XML databases (like eXistdb), knowledge of xQuery, and familiarity with textual data analysis platforms like TXM. And here’s where it gets really interesting: knowledge of Latin and medieval vernacular languages, coupled with palaeography skills (the study of ancient handwriting), is highly valued. Essentially, you need to be able to read the texts and understand the technology to unlock their secrets.
The Growing Field of Digital Humanities & the Power of Data
This position highlights the rapidly expanding field of digital humanities – a discipline that leverages technology to explore and interpret human culture. The ability to apply data science techniques to historical sources is becoming increasingly crucial. Imagine being able to analyze patterns in medieval trade, track the spread of ideas, or even uncover hidden political agendas, all through the power of data analysis. This isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about making it accessible and relevant to the present.
The Biblissima+ project, and initiatives like it, are paving the way for a new era of historical research. By creating standardized digital repositories and developing sophisticated analytical tools, researchers can collaborate more effectively and uncover insights that were previously impossible to obtain. The storage platform and pooling managed by the recruited person will be central to this collaborative effort.
Remote Work & Travel Opportunities
While based in Lyon and Avignon, the position offers a degree of flexibility, with a significant portion of the work potentially being carried out remotely in agreement with partners. Occasional travel is expected, facilitating collaboration with CIHAM and Biblissima+ partners. The remuneration starts at €2521 gross per month, depending on experience.
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking project that is reshaping our understanding of the Middle Ages. If you’re a data-savvy historian, a tech-enthusiastic medievalist, or simply someone who loves a good challenge, this could be the perfect role for you. The application reference is UMR5648-PIEDIM-004, and the expected hire date is March 1, 2026. Don’t miss out on this chance to become a digital explorer of the past – and help write the next chapter in the story of the digital humanities.
