The Faculty of Arts is seeking to fill a full-time (100 %) vacancy in the Department of Literature, at the Research Centre for Visual Poetics, for a
Doctoral student in the area of theatre studies and intermediality
The position is offered in the framework of the “B-magic. The Magic Lantern and its Cultural Impact as Visual Mass Medium in Belgium (1830-1940)” project (B-magic).
B-magic is a four-year EOS-funded project, which started in March 2018 and will be conducted by a team of researchers at two Flemish (UAntwerp and KULeuven) and two French-speaking universities (ULB and UCL), in collaboration with an art college (KASK Ghent) and an international partner (UUtrecht). This project will write the as yet unwritten history of the magic lantern as a mass medium in Belgium. The lantern was the first visual mass medium to contest the printed word as a primary mode of information and instruction. The B-magic consortium will research the pivotal role of the magic lantern in Belgian society from the country’s independence (1830) up to 1940, when its use declined. To this end, it brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Performance Studies, Cinema and Media Studies, Urban History, History of Science and Knowledge, Communication Studies, Semiotics, and Narratology. For more information and other available vacancies see www.B-magic.eu
The successful candidate will work on a separate subproject entitled “Magic Lantern and Science Popularization in the Theatre” supervised by prof. Kurt Vanhoutte (UAntwerp) and Kaat Wils (KU Leuven). A short project description can be found on the B-magic website via the following link: https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/b-magic/research-program/program-details/wp2–magic-lantern-i/
Job description
- You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of theatre studies and media history, focusing on the magic lantern and science popularization in the theatre.
- You will study the mixture of science instruction and theatrical wonder, and its social impact on the broader history of science and entertainment in 19th-century Belgium.
- Your research will be conducted within the framework of the Excellence of Science (EOS) project B-Magic The Magic Lantern and its Cultural Impact as Visual Mass Medium in Belgium (1830-1940) www.B-MAGIC.eu
- You contribute to teaching and research at the Research Centre for Visual Poetics at the Literature Department of the University of Antwerp, in the domain of theatre and film studies.
Profile and requirements
- You hold a master degree in theatre studies, film studies, art history, or related areas.
- You show a strong interest in the history of theatre, media and popular culture, interest in the history of science is recommended.
- You can achieve outstanding academic results.
- Students in the final year of their degree are also encouraged to apply.
- Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy.
- You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
- You are willing and able to work and communicate within a broader team of international researchers.
- You must be able to demonstrate language proficiency in English (written and spoken); Dutch (passive or willingness to learn) and French (passive or willingness to learn).
- Students in the final year of their degree are also encouraged to apply.
We offer
- a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal for a further two-year period after positive evaluation;
- the start date of the scholarship will be 1 October 2018;
- a gross monthly grant ranging from € 2.324,20 – € 2.469,08;
- a dynamic and stimulating work environment.
How to apply?
- Applications may only be submitted online, until the closing date 2 July 2018.
- Applicants should also upload a statement of experience, qualification and interest, and two letters of recommendation.
- A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel.
- Shortlisted candidates, selected to take part in interviews, will be notified by 20 July 2018. The interviews will take place between 20 and 23 August 2018. Candidates will be expected to propose a research plan on the basis of the proposed subproject at the interview.
- For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact prof. Kurt Vanhoutte and/or dr. Evelien Jonckheere : kurt.vanhoutte@uantwerp.be and/or evelien.jonckheere@uantwerpen.be .
- More information about the application form can be obtained from vacatures@uantwerpen.be
- Candidates that would like to find out more about the project are welcome (but not obliged) to attend The Travelling Lantern symposium on 18 May. More information on the symposium is available on the project website www.b-magic.eu.
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