Postdoctoral researcher in technical art history / conservation studies (28750)

→  Apply before 14/08/2025 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→  Faculty of Arts and Philosophy
→  Department: LW17 – Kunst-, Muziek- en Theaterwetenschappen
→  Occupancy rate:100%
→  Number of positions: 1
→  Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration with clause
→  Term of assignment: 1 year
→  Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→  Required diploma:PhD

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR ROLE AND TASKS
 As a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University, you will join the ERC-Consolidator Grant project ‘’ A New Connoisseurship: Smart ways to detect forgeries (ARTDETECT 2024-2028)’, under the leadership of the principal investigator, Professor Anna Tummers. The project is focused on developing novel approaches to detect forgeries. The team will consist of seven members who will collaborate closely.   

The successful candidate will be responsible for work package 3: an in-depth study of craquelure patterns, both natural and artificial, using relevant literature and photographic examples, creating mock-ups for artificial aging tests, and studying these with high resolution imaging, microscopes and chemical analyses. The aim is to define what characteristics and patterns are particularly distinctive and why. A special focus will be on significant anomalies that betray artificial aging.

Your tasks will include:

• At least 70% of your assignment will be spent on academic research;
• Developing a detailed research plan for sub-project 3 that aligns with the objectives of the ARTDETECT project.
• Collecting and analysing different types of data and source materials relevant to the ARTDETECT research project and including these in the project database;
• Completing as main author at least one article per year for submission to a peer-reviewed academic journal;
• Attending regular in-person team meetings;
• Contributing to the organisation of scholarly meetings.
• Disseminating your research results (if not confidential) through participation in international workshops and conferences.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate in technical art history, restoration and conservation or conservation studies with a relevant specialization (obtained within the last 6 years; the term of 6 years will be based on the date of the diploma and the starting date of the employment contract);
• You have published in the field commensurate with your career stage;
• You have ample experience in examining European and/or American paintings in a museum or conservation lab and in the type of cross-disciplinary collaborations that are key to the research project;
• You have experience in creating mock-ups;
• You are a team player with excellent communicative skills and a keen sense of discretion, able to effectively deal with sensitive information;
• You are punctual in your planning and output;
• You have a good knowledge of various European languages relevant for the case studies: Dutch, French, Italian, German;
• You have an excellent command of written and spoken English, suitable for academic meetings, presentations and articles;
• An excellent command of the Dutch language is a plus, but not mandatory

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of one year with an option of an extension for an additional two years (based on a positive evaluation);
• Your contract will start on 15/09/2025 at the earliest;
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1-4. Click here for more information about our salary scales;
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staffbenefits (in Dutch);
• If the candidate is eligible for an international mobility appointment, a postdoc fellowship will be offered.

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late or incomplete applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: names, positions, and email address of two referees (no reference letters)

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

Applications will be assessed after the closing date and a select number of applicants will be notified on August 22nd and invited for an interview in person or if needed via teleconferencing. The interviews will take place in the week of 1 September.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected] or +32 9 264 34 36