The Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture (AHM) currently has a vacant fully funded PhD position as part of ‘Concrete Colonialism: Architectural History and Heritage Studies.
AHM, as a thematic research school, fosters a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and transnational approach across various disciplines. AHM’s mission and profile integrate all branches of research that focus on the material and intangible remains of the past, the reciprocal relations between objects, meanings, and representations, and the dynamics of memory. AHM’s research is carried out from diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives: in concept-oriented, object-oriented, and user-oriented approaches.
Candidates will work on their research project as part of the ‘Concrete Colonialism: Architecture and Heritage in Indonesia around Independence’ research team.
The PhD project can take different approaches, including (but not limited to):
- A material lens: examining the manufacturing and distribution of concrete, for example by the Nederlands-Indische Portland Cement Maatschappij. Another focus could be the perception of concrete to colonialism and independence, possibly to other building materials.
- A network analysis: researching the activities of, for example, one or more building companies, such as the Hollandse Beton Maatschappij active in Indonesia. This approach may involve digital mapping technologies, such as GIS.
- A comparative lens: investigating local, regional, or transnational exchanges of building materials, knowledge of building construction, and/or labor through a comparative study.
Tasks
The following tasks apply for this position:
- submission of a PhD thesis within the period of appointment;
- publishing 2 single-authored, peer-reviewed articles or chapters;
- presenting intermediate research results at workshops and conferences in the Netherlands and abroad;
- organizing project workshops, conferences, and creative events together with project team members;
- participating in the AHM and Faculty of Humanities PhD training programs;
- (co-)teaching in BA programs is optional in years 2 and 3 of the PhD project (0,2fte per year max).
Salary
Under the collective labor agreement for Dutch Universities, they offer:
- salary in the first year of the employment contract € 2,872 and in the last year a maximum of € 3,670 gross per month based on a full working week of 38 hours;
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
- PhD candidates receive a tuition fee waiver;
- PhD candidates have free access to courses offered by the Graduate School of Humanities and the Dutch National Research Schools;
- excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
- an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
- an enthusiastic and professional academic team.
Job Requirements
Applicants for this position must meet the following criteria:
- a completed Master’s degree in the History of Architecture, Heritage Studies, or any related Humanities discipline.
- research skills demonstrated by a Master’s thesis and the capacity to develop a track record of publishing monographs, edited volumes, or academic journals;
- a strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research;
- interest in communicating academic research to non-academic audiences;
- good command of English
Application Process
The application should include the following information:
- a cover letter and full academic CV;
- a list of all Master-level modules taken, with a transcript of university grades;
- a research proposal of 800-1000 words, including how they would approach the project, possible case studies, theoretical framing, methodology, and timeline.
- writing sample in English (does not have to be published work; can be an excerpt of MA thesis; max. 5.000 words)
- the names and email addresses of two academic or professional references, including the thesis advisor, who may be approached by the selection committee.
To apply for the PhD Position in Architectural History and Heritage Studies, click here.
Deadline: October 15, 2024.
For more information on the PhD position in Architectural History and Heritage Studies, visit the official site.
