Doctoral scholarship holder in the interdisciplinary field of heritage studies.

The ARCHES research group of the University of Antwerp, Belgium (Department of Heritage Studies in the Faculty of Design Sciences) is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the interdisciplinary field of heritage studies. The doctoral project focuses on the history, materiality and significance of nineteenth-century plaster models in Belgian collections. This project intends to research the estates of nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century Belgian sculptors, with a specific focus on their most fragile assets: plaster models. Combining methodologies from the history of sculpture and collections, conservation-restoration science and museum studies with novel 3D imaging techniques, the project aims to shed new light on the specific history, materiality and museological potential of such studio collections, and to develop informed management strategies concerning the future conservation and valorisation of this heritage.

Position

You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of heritage studies. Your work will focus on sculptors’ plaster models from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. More specifically, your research will be dedicated to the collection history of sculptors’ estates in Belgian museums, the (digitally enhanced) study of the material condition and creative properties of the plaster models they contain (employing 3D imaging techniques), and the determination of the museological significance and potential of these sculptures. You will publish scientific articles related to the research project in WoS journals with impact factor and present your findings at scientific conferences in Belgium and/or abroad. You will take part in the activities of ARCHES research group. You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Heritage Studies programme.

Profile

You hold a Master degree in Heritage Studies, Conservation-Restoration, (Art) History, or another relevant discipline. You have affinity with the fields of the history of collections, sculpture, museology, and 3D imaging techniques. Research and/or museum experience in these fields is a plus. You can demonstrate a basic knowledge of scientific methods that are used in the fields of heritage studies, conservation-restoration science, art history and digital humanities. You can demonstrate excellent study results. Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision. Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies. You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation. You can speak and write English fluently, and you have a sufficient knowledge of French (reading skills).

What we offer

We offer a full-time doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years. Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP). You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. You will do most of your work at the city campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment, under the guidance of prof. Ulrike Müller. The planned start date is 15 April 2024, or as soon as possible after that date.

Want to apply?

You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 21 February 2024 (by midnight Brussels time).

For more information and the online application platform, see https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/jobs/vacancies/academic-staff/?q=3253&descr=Doctoral-scholarship-holder-in-the-interdisciplinary-field-of-heritage-studies