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PhD in arts on the role of art/design in the perception of persons with dementia

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position Funding Type Research Assistantship (RA)
  • Application deadlineExpired
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Position Details (PhD Research Project)

Your PhD in the arts will be embedded within the expertise network of Arts & Society (LUCA School of Arts) and the Future Scenarios team. As a member of the Research Campus Genk at the LUCA School of Arts, the successful applicant will be expected to critically examine the relationships between creators, artefacts and social contexts. In this profile, we see a caring artistic researcher, innovative image maker and analytical thinker who enjoys working in collaboration and as part of a team to carefully develop socially participatory projects. Expertise in research in a care context and/or working with vulnerable target groups is considered an advantage.

LUCA School of Arts is a creative hub for almost 5,000 people, including more than 4,000 students and 800 staff. LUCA provides them with an educational and research environment in which they can further develop their creative talent. This is achieved through higher education programmes in the broad field of the arts and artistic research embedded within the Faculty of Arts at KU Leuven. LUCA has campuses in four cities: Ghent, Brussels, Leuven and Genk. LUCA is a member of the KU Leuven Association.

Respect and integrity determine our basic attitude. We recognise sustainability and diversity as assets, and quality is our driving force. In the coming years, we want to give LUCA an identity as a player in society, make our educational institution part of a laboratory, supplement our offering with demand-driven initiatives and open up our multi-campus reality into a network. LUCA University of Applied Sciences wants to create an environment in which all talents can develop to their full potential, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or disability. We therefore welcome all talented people who recognise the added value of diversity and an inclusive organisation. Our goal is to be an excellent, dynamic research unit and educational institution where everyone feels welcome, valued, seen and heard. The more inclusive and sustainable we are, the better we can perform. This is why we strive to ensure that the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives is reflected in our staff, as well as in the educational and research outcomes of our programmes. Regardless of your gender, age, cultural background, who you love or what you believe in, we warmly invite you to apply! #weArt
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Project

The Arts & Society expert network and Research Campus Genk are offering a fully funded, full-time PhD position within the ongoing research project: ‘Changing Perspectives, Changing Perceptions in People with Dementia’ (2023–2027).
The research aims to develop new forms of communication that enable people with dementia to express their personal experiences of the condition and its effect on their identity. A time perspective is taken into account, throughout the different stages of the condition. The interdisciplinary project explores the possibilities of art-based, visual methods in participatory research. To this end, expert knowledge and insights from communication sciences, design and visual arts will be combined. An essential part of this position is close collaboration between the Future Framing & Caring and Design Research research clusters at LUCA School of Arts and KU Leuven (Media, Information & Persuasion Lab and Media Culture and Policy Lab).
In addition to a CV (1), a motivation letter (2), diploma certificate (3) and portfolio (4), applicants are also asked to write a reflection (5) of no more than two pages on this project proposal.
(Possible questions for inspiration: Where do you see opportunities within the project to showcase your artistic and academic talents, to learn and to make a unique contribution to arts and science? Where do you see opportunities to add your own touch? Where do you see obstacles for yourself? What would you like to change about the project?)
Two PhD students, one from the arts and one from communication sciences, will work together on this research project. They will be supervised by a team of three experts in communication, photography, and design for and with people with dementia. Support will also be provided by a care expert. You can find more information about the project via the link below. The link to the vacancy for the research position in communication sciences can also be found below.

Profile

  • Holder of a Master’s degree in the Arts or equivalent.
  • Active as an artist or designer with proven artistic excellence in the visual arts and expertise in the contemporary digital and analogue photographic medium.   
  • Have the ambition and skills to become an outstanding researcher in your research area and share your knowledge. 
  • Strong in organisation and communication. 
  • Have the skills, experience and enthusiasm to collaborate as a full team player in an interdisciplinary research project. Be able to collaborate with external partners.  
  • Master the skills to complete a comprehensive research project within the given time frame of four years and be able to work with strict deadlines.  
  • Experience with artistic and qualitative research methods in an academic and healthcare context is highly recommended. 
  • Willing to communicate your research at conferences, exhibitions and seminars through artistic presentations and academic publications.  
  • Experience working in a care context or working with vulnerable groups is a plus.   
  • Besides artistic and academic competences, social and empathic skills are required.  
  • Excellent command of Dutch and at least good knowledge of English.  
  • In addition to artistic and academic competencies, social and empathic skills are required.
  • Committed to the mission, vision and policy plan of the institution and the research project.

Offer

We are offering a full-time PhD position within an ongoing research project (2023–2027) at the Associated Faculty of Arts, LUCA/KU Leuven. Depending on the funds available for the project, the position can be extended by up to one year after October 2027. We offer a dynamic work and research environment with a strong international network from the calendar year 2025 onwards, with attractive remuneration in accordance with legal provisions. During the research process, we offer intensive supervision and coaching, opportunities for professional development and resources to bring the research to a successful conclusion.  

Project Description
School of Arts (LUCA)
Institute for Media Studies
PhD-position in Communication Sciences
LUCA School of Arts

Interested?

Further information can be obtained from Prof. Kristof Vrancken, tel.: +32 2 447 10 90, email: [email protected] or Ms Christa Vandersmissen, tel.: +32 2 447 10 24, email: [email protected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Communication Design Health Psychology Media & Communication Studies Neuropsychology Psychiatry & Psychology Visual arts

Position Start Date

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