Doctoral fellow - Department of Architecture and Urban Planning
Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the Dutch language area, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members.
Department: TW01 - Department of Architecture and Urban Planning
Occupancy rate: 100%
Vacancy type: Research staff
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 85 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.
For the Theory and History of Architecture Research Group, we are looking for a m/f/x
YOUR JOB
* You will spend at least 90% of your assignment on academic research (own research work, and collaborations with other researchers) in view of realizing the goals of a shared research project, and of obtaining a doctoral degree. Up to 10% of your time will be spent to assist in teaching activities.
* This architecture historical research is part of the project ‘Integration of Contemporary Architecture in Historical Cities in Belgium (1970-1989). A Revisionist History of Postmodernism in Liège and Bruges through the Mapping of Positions and Debates’ funded by the FWO and FNRS research foundations, and supervised by prof. Maarten Liefooghe (Ghent University) and prof. Wouter Van Acker (Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB). This job vacancy is for a doctoral researcher position at Ghent University, to investigate (among other things) the case study of Bruges.
This project will investigate the segment of postmodern architecture in Liège and Bruges, realized between 1970 and 1989, which sought to reintegrate formally within the historic city center and which took position in the urban revitalization and integral urban conservation programs set in motion in that period through the state funding granted to these two cities. Unlike a number of historical studies that are available on canonical projects in Brussels, which reacted against the so-called “Bruxellisation”, a nuanced study of postmodern architecture in provincial cities such as Liège and Bruges is currently lacking. The case studies selected for this project, designed by architects such as Vivian Desmedt, Jean Francotte, Groep Planning, Eugène Van Assche, Bruno Albert, Bernard Herbecq, or Charles Vandenhove were designed and criticized in relation to their surrounding streetscapes and historic urban environments, but a precise analysis of these design intentions, interaction with policies, and critical reception is still to be made. Also the way in which these projects responded to the urban mythology of the “scarred city” of Liège or “Bruges-la-Morte” remains to be studied. By combining recent insights and methods from architectural history and heritage studies, this project proposes an important revision and contribution to the history of postmodern architecture in Belgium and beyond.
Job profile
* You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in Architecture / Engineering: Architecture / Architecture History / Art History.
* You know how to work independently (and to self-motivate), to think and to solve problems, and you can work collaboratively within a team.
* Proven academic writing skills and the ability to effectively present research findings through papers, presentations, and other academic communications.
* You have a good mastery of English (B2) and of Dutch (B2). At least a passive knowledge of French is recommended.
* Experience with architecture historical research (including archival research) and with writing about architecture, urban planning, or architectural heritage, is preferred.
* Also knowledge of postwar architectural history and of architectural postmodernism (in Belgium or in Europe) in particular is a plus.
* You are living in Belgium or are ready to stay in Belgium during the research.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
* We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
* Your contract will start on May 1st 2025 at the earliest.
* The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority.
* 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, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.
How to apply
Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to Prof. Maarten Liefooghe (Maarten.Liefooghe@ugent.be) and to researcher Valentine Masset (Valentine.Masset@ugent.be) in cc. We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Maarten Liefooghe (Maarten.Liefooghe@UGent.be, +32 (0)9/264 37 71).
Job details
Title: Doctoral fellow - Department of Architecture and Urban Planning
Published: 2025-03-03
Application deadline: 2025-04-01 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
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