What are you going to do?
The multidisciplinary approaches of Heritage and Museum studies, firmly based in archaeology, art history and cultural history, have continuously been expanded with particular knowledge of contemporary discourses such as gender, memory and trauma, material culture and technical research. Recently this has been expanded with the issue of restitution, which relates to a broad spectrum of practices and ethics, relating to historical and archival research, presentation and narrating of collections, conservation and restoration, politics of acquisition, and transitional justice. Museum and heritage collections and issues of representation, ownership and restitution have become large in public and political debates on looted archaeological artefacts in (post) imperial contexts, colonial art and artefacts in colonial situations, and art under Nazi terror in WWII. The complexity of these social debates needs ongoing academic reflection at the crossroads of disciplines. Which concepts and practices are needed for such reflection and for a rigorous interdisciplinary debate on the ethical questions? How can these reflections and debates optimally support museum and heritage collections of arts and culture and help us move towards a more inclusive and sustainable vision on ownership and representation, conservation and preservation of such collections in the future?
Within the department of Arts & Cultures, a position is available for an assistant professor in Museum, Heritage and Restitution Studies. This new position aims to bring together the museum, heritage and conservation approach and the ethical and global aspects of restitution processes, particularly the tensions between the ethics of restitution, the original, historical and contentious ownership of cultural artifacts, decolonization, museum collections, institutional policy, critique and agency towards global social change and practice.
We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in museum and heritage studies and well acquainted with the fields of conservation, preservation and restoration, material culture and anthropology, who is able to connect through a global perspective the diverse strands of World War II claims, colonial restitution and illicit trade in archaeological artefacts and material culture. The assistant professor has a focus on museum and heritage collections and practices as well as the ethical considerations on the discourses of restitution and their possible implications for the material handling and treatment of object(s), both in conservation and in presentation. The candidate is able to reflect on museum and heritage practices and also contributes to the academic development of the field. You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture (AHM).
Tasks and responsibilities:
You are able to develop and provide modules on museum and heritage studies, restitution and repatriation, conservation and restoration research; contemporary cultural and artistic practices, productions, exhibitions, institutionalization and musealization and reception functions in society. Important is proven flexibility in teaching on topics beyond your own research focus, a willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams of teachers and the ability to offer inspiring lectures and tutorials in the BA, MA and minor programmes that aspire to a wide range of students.
Your experience and profile:
Research that entails collaboration with non-academic institutions and agencies in the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond is highly welcome.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and relevant experience, ranges between € 3974 to € 6181. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
We additionally offer:
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.
The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.
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Any questions?
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