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EURAXESS Researchers in motion

Job offer

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers
5 May 2023

Job Information

Organisation/Company
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Research Field
Arts » Arts management
Economics » Business economics
Arts » Handicrafts
Other
Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country
Belgium
Application Deadline
Type of Contract
Temporary
Job Status
Full-time
Hours Per Week
38
Offer Starting Date
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
H2020 / ERC
Reference Number
101075828
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No

Offer Description

The PhD position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project “MOOVA - Making Old Objects Valuable Again. The Cultural, Economic Challenges and Sustainability Opportunities of Antiques in the 21st Century,” led by Prof. Anne-Sophie V. Radermecker.

Regardless of their cultural significance, many “ordinary” antiques remain on the margins of cultural institutions and scholarly research. As a result, the question of how everyday antiques are safeguarded, valued, marketed, perceived, and consumed remains largely underexplored, placing material evidence of our visual culture in a critical situation, especially in view of the technological transition faced by this ageing business. Using old objects as a laboratory for transdisciplinary research, MOOVA aims to 1) highlight the complex cultural value of ordinary antiques and the patrimonial role of local antique dealers as safeguarders of informal heritage; 2) explore the supply and demand for antiques in the digital era; 3) understand the perceived value of antiques by Gen Z; and 4) develop theoretical and applied models for reassessing the meaning, relevance, and value of those objects nowadays. MOOVA’s originality lies in its focus (European decorative arts), transversal approach (cross-objects, markets, countries), and combination of theories, data, and methods from various disciplines (heritage studies, cultural economics, cognitive science, etc.). MOOVA's academic outputs will deal with vital issues such as the preservation of local heritage, audience renewal, and local place branding.

The successful candidate will conduct a four-year PhD thesis (2x2 year renewable after a mid-term assessment) in Cultural Management at the Université libre de Bruxelles (within the Department of History, Arts and Archaeology). She/he will be supervised by the PI and a thesis committee, and will enroll in a doctoral school throughout the four years (HISTAR – EDT56). The candidate will be attached to the research unit GRESAC (Groupe de recherche en sciences des arts et de la culture – Institut de Sociologie). The defense is expected to take place in 2027 at the latest.

 

Duties and responsibilities

The successful candidate will complete an original doctoral dissertation on the role of antique dealers as safeguarders of informal heritage. In close collaboration with the PI and the MOOVA team, the candidate will mainly work on the following tasks:

  • Contribute to developing a theoretical framework on the notion of informal heritage;
  • Contribute to mapping the traditional antiques business in Europe;
  • Explore the cultural value of the five main categories of antiques considered in the scope of this project;
  • Perform field research and interviews with practitioners (Belgium, Italy, Great-Britain, Netherlands and France) and develop a network;
  • Identify and analyze antique dealers’ local, national and international networks of stakeholders;
  • Actively participate in scientific events in cultural management, cultural economics, heritage studies, etc.;
  • Publish several papers in direct relation to his/her doctoral research (single- and co-authored papers);
  • Actively assist the team with administrative and logistical support (team meetings, reporting, workshop and conference organization, occasional course participation, website and social media management, etc.).

Candidate’s profile

We seek an excellent and highly motivated candidate with a master’s degree in the following discipline by the time of the appointment: arts and culture management, cultural economics, sociology of the arts, heritage studies, or digital humanities (with Honours/Magna cum Laude). Broader profiles in relation to these disciplines may be considered, conditional on a demonstrable interest in the arts and culture. The candidate’s intellectual curiosity, openness to transdisciplinarity, willingness to learn new methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative), and ability to collaborate with a team composed of researchers of various backgrounds, profiles, and career stages will be crucial for the successful achievement of this project. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and autonomy are also essential.

Note that applicants are allowed to apply for the two complementary PhD candidate positions offered in the scope of this international project.

Where to apply

E-mail
Anne-Sophie.Radermecker@ulb.be

Requirements

Research Field
Other
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications

Excellent proficiency in academic English is required. Candidates showing good knowledge in French, Dutch, and/or Italian will be particularly considered in the selection process.

Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent
Languages
FRENCH
Level
Basic
Languages
DUTCH
Level
Basic
Languages
ITALIAN
Level
Basic
Research Field
Other
Years of Research Experience
None

Additional Information

Selection process

Selection process

To be admissible, submitted applications must include the following documents:

  • A letter of motivation that stresses the candidate’s experience, skills and interest in this project;
  • An up-to-date curriculum vitae including any evidence of academic excellence and field experience if relevant;
  • The name, academic institution, and email of two referees who may be contacted for recommendation if necessary (if available, recommendation letters must be directly sent from the referees to the PI).
  • A copy of the candidate’s official master’s degree(s) (a complete course and grade transcript is a plus)
  • A digital copy of the master’s dissertation

The applications will be examined by a commission composed of the project’s PI and scholars specialized in the discipline. Applications received after the deadline (30 June 2023 – 12:00 (Europe/Brussels) will not be considered. The selection will consist in a two-stage process:

  • A pre-selection based on the quality of the received applications (end of June)
  • An online interview with practical modalities communicated to the pre-selected candidates in due course (first half of July)

Please note that for non-UE candidates, a valid work permit and VISA will be needed before joining the project at the ULB.

Additional comments

Please send your application to Anne-Sophie.Radermecker@ulb.be by mentioning in the object of your email: ERC StG 2022 – MOOVA applications – PhD candidate position#1

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Université libre de Bruxelles
Country
Belgium
State/Province
Brussels
City
Brussels
Postal Code
1050
Street
Av. Franklin Roosevelt 50
Geofield

Contact

City
Brussels
Website
Street
50 Avenue F.D. Roosevelt
Postal Code
1050
E-Mail
Anne-Sophie.Radermecker@ulb.be

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