poste : “The Fashion and Textile Collection at the Royal Museum of Art and History, Brussels”

The Royal Museums for Art and History and Ghent University

are looking for

 

1 Assistant professor – Postdoctoral staff member

for the FED-tWIN project “The Fashion and Textile Collection at the Royal Museum of Art and History, Brussels” (FATEX  – Prf-2022-013)

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Il s’agit à 50 % d’un poste de conservateur de la collection mode-textile-dentelle- tapisserie des Musées royaux d’art et d’histoire de Bruxelles (RMAH) et à 50 % d’un poste de professeur de recherche à l’université de Gand, dans le département d’histoire de l’art. Un doctorat est requis, ainsi qu’une expérience postdoctorale de deux ans.

This project aims to shine a light on the understudied collection of garments and textiles housed in the Royal Museum of Art and History in Brussels. With over 15,000 objects, including flat textiles, fashion, lace, and tapestries, our goal is to assess, study, and disseminate two key archives of this collection: the flat textile collection at the RMAH, which comprises 3495 pieces, and the RMAH’s fashion collection, consisting of 3500 pieces. Additionally, we will conduct a concentrated study of Belgian fashion from 1830-1980. Through this project, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of the collections and their cultural significance, while showcasing the unique contributions of Belgian textiles and fashion. Our focus on the flat textile collection will allow for a global perspective on the objects, while our study of the fashion collection delves into the history of Belgian fashion.

 

CONTEXT

 

This function is part of the FED-tWIN program of the Federal Science Policy, which aims to promote sustainable cooperation between the ten Federal Scientific Institutions and the 11 Belgian universities through the funding of joint research profiles. The research FATEX (Prf-2022-013) is a joint initiative of the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels and Ghent University. Dr. Werner Adriaenssens and Prof. dr. Maude Bass-Krueger are the supervisors.

 

The position consists of a part-time position at the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels combined with a part-time position at Ghent University. The candidate needs to be able to hold both part-time positions and needs to apply for both positions. Applying for one of both positions is not possible.

 

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

 

Ghent University (UGENT) is one of the most important education and research institutions in the “Low Countries”. More than 9,000 employees and 41,000 students live up to the motto « Dare to Think » on a daily basis. Quality education, internationally appreciated research and a pluralistic social responsibility characterize UGent’s mission.

 

ABOUT THE ROYAL MUSEUMS OF ART AND HISTORY IN BRUSSELS

 

The Royal Museums of Art and History consist of the Museum of Art and History, the Museum of Musical Instruments and the Halle Gate. They are part of the federal scientific institutions under the Federal Public Planning Service Science Policy (BELSPO).

 

The mission of the Royal Museums of Art and History is to connect people, art and history and thus contribute to human dignity, social justice, global equality, planetary well-being and the perception of beauty and time. These museums in Brussels, in the heart of Europe, arouse curiosity and wonder for the worlds that women and men have created. The Royal Museums of Art and History offer spaces for democratization, inclusion and polyphony for a critical dialogue about pasts and futures.   We carry out research and present works of art, everyday objects, scientific data, and documents entrusted to us for society.  We safeguard diverse memories for future generations and guarantee equal rights and access to heritage and scientific expertise.

 

We are a participatory, not-for-profit, and transparent federal scientific institution.  We work in active partnership for and with diverse communities to preserve, collect, interpret, exhibit and open collections for study, education, comfort, and enjoyment.  We foster a deeper understanding of societies and cultures, which encourages us to take better care of the world, allowing us to imagine it differently.

 

In addition to presenting their permanent collections and organizing temporary exhibitions, the Royal Museums of Art and History fulfil other missions that are less known to the general public, but fundamental, such as: the acquisition and conservation of works of art and documents, the maintenance of a general inventory, active participation in scientific projects, the exploitation and dissemination of the results of scientific research,  both nationally and internationally, the provision of a documentation center on the collections and the organization of didactic activities for the public. To fulfil these missions, the Royal Museums of Art and History can count on their 220 collaborators (archaeologists, curators, heritage custodians, art historians, restorers, technicians, etc.).

 

VENUE OF THE POSITION

• Royal Museums of Art and History: Jubelpark 10, 1000 Brussels
• Ghent University, Department of Art History, Musicology, and Theater Studies: Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Ghent

 

ASSIGNMENT

 

Your assignment at the Royal Museums of Art and history

• Manage the collections of flat textiles, fashion, lace, and tapestries: inventory, description, study of the history of the collection, analysis of the physical condition.
• Valorize the collections (e.g., exhibitions, loans, publications); collaborate with other collections and departments in the museum.
• Organize an exhibition and an accompanying symposium focused on the collection in collaboration with Ghent University.

Your assignment at Ghent University

• Conduct research and publish academic papers in the fields of textile and fashion history related to the collection of the Royal Museums of Art and History. We will prioritize research profiles that align with an emphasis on global textile histories.
• Supervise BA/MA thesis that align with topics relating to the candidate’s expertise and the collection.
• Educational tasks as allowed within the 40% professorship and in line with the FED-tWIN research profile. These include teaching, co-teaching and/or guest lectures in courses such as: Global Textile and Fashion Histories (BA2/3), Museum Studies (BA2/3), MA seminar on fashion topics.
• Organize an exhibition and an accompanying symposium focused on the collection in collaboration with the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels.
• Acquire and manage research funds.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the department and faculty to advance Ghent University’s research foci on Heritage and Decolonization

 

PROFILE

 

Experience

• You have already conducted high-quality scientific research in global and/or non-western histories of textiles
• You have experience working with collections.
• Expertise in textile/fashion conservation is highly recommended.
• Teaching experience at university level is highly recommended
• You must master the language of instruction in which you will teach a course at CEFR- level C1.You can demonstrate this by means of a language certificate or a diploma obtained from an institution in which that language is the language of instruction. In addition, Article II.270, §1 of the Codex of Higher Education requires that: (i) you must master the Dutch language at least at CEFR-level A2 within two years after the start of the appointment. (ii) you must be able to master the Dutch language at least at CEFR-level of B2 within five years after the start of the appointment. More info: Language requirements at Ghent University for professorial staff — Ghent University (ugent.be)
• Fluency in French and English is highly recommended.

Skills / Attitude

• You are able to work both independently and in team
• You have excellent communicative skills

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate or a diploma or certificate that is recognized as equivalent (article V.20 Codex Higher Education) in Fashion Studies, Textile Studies, Art History, or a related discipline, with expertise in textiles and/or fashion.

Upon evaluation of a foreign (non-EU) diploma, a certificate of equivalence may still have to be requested at NARIC. If this is the case, we advise you to initiate this recognition procedure as soon as possible. You are required to have the recognition no later than on the date of your appointment.

• You have at least two years of postdoctoral experience on 1 February 2024. This term of two years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma.
• The doctorate must have been defended no more than 12 years ago (counting from the day of submitting the application). This 12-year period is extended by one year for any absence due to pregnancy, parental or adoption leave, as well as any prolonged absence due to illness of the candidate or a prolonged absence due to illness of a first-degree relative.

 

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

 

It concerns a full-time position with a joint employment at the Royal Museums of Art and History and Ghent University:

 

• The chosen candidate is recruited as Work Leader (class SW2) with the associated wage scale SW21 in open-ended contractual employment (50%, 19 hours/week), with a minimum four-year period of useful service.
  • Minimum remuneration (gross amounts adjusted to the current index, excluding regulatory allowances): SW21: 30.472,73 € per year
• (50%) at Ghent University, including (10%) as postdoctoral scientific researcher, a contract of indefinite duration, and (40%) as assistant professor for 5 years, extendable dependent on a positive evaluation and available funding
  • Salary scale: assistant professor – scale 18 – 40.549,75 € non-indexed.
• Places of employment: The Royal Musems of Art and History in Brussels and Ghent University in Ghent
• 38-hour week, variable schedule The Royal Museums of Art and History and Ghent University.

 

Applying for only one of the half-time positions at one of the institutions is not possible. The selected candidate is subjected to the regulations of both institutions.

 

Start of de position: February 1, 2024

 

OUR OFFER

 

Advantages UGent

 

The career and evaluation policy for Professorial Staff is based on talent development and growth, prioritizing vision development and strategy – at the personal as well as the group level. At UGent we focus on career support and coaching of the Professorial Staff in the different phases of the career.

More information about the ZAP career can be found on www.ugent.be/en/work/mobility-career/career-aspects/professorial-staff. More information about the WP career can be found on

https://www.ugent.be/nl/vacatures/mobiliteit–loopbaanpaden/loopbaanpad/wp Each Ghent University staff member can count on a number of benefits such as a bike allowance, reimbursement of public transport commuting costs, daycare, a wide range of sports facilities and EcoCheques. A complete overview of all our employee benefits (in Dutch).

 

Advantages  RMAH

 

The Royal Museums of Art and History offers additional advantages:

• Possibility to acquire a bilingualism bonus;
• Extensive range of training courses (to be followed during working hours);
• Hospitalization insurance;
• Free commuting with public transport;
• Easily accessible by public transport;
• An optional bicycle allowance;
• Benefits and interesting offers;
• Flexible working hours;

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Diploma

 

Deadline September 15, 2023.

You can only apply online via UGENT e-recruitment until the deadline for registration. We do not accept late applications or applications that are not delivered via the online application.

 

Please add the following documents to your application:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV in pdf format
• In the field ‘Motivation letter’: your motivation letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: the copies of your PhD diploma. If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, you must attach a certified translation into one of the above languages.
• In the field ‘Other documents’: other documents such as a reference letter, grades … (optional)

 

Please note that each field has a maximum limitation of 10 MB.

 

A first selection will be drawn up on the basis of the profile and conditions of participation.

Selected candidates will be invited to a 45-minute interview, during which their motivation, affinity with the function and required skills will be assessed.

 

Equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation

The Royal Museums of Art and History are committed to promoting diversity. This translates into the stimulation of talents while respecting differences regardless of origin, sex, age, possible disability, personal convictions, etc.

 

Do you suffer from a disability, a learning disability, or an illness? Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? You can request a reasonable accommodation of our selection procedure so that you can also show your talents.

 

Report

After receiving your result in a selection test, you can request a written report within three months.

 

Union representation

A union delegate may attend any selection organized by the Royal Museums of Art and History. Union delegates are bound by an obligation of discretion regarding confidential information and documents.

 

 

MORE INFORMATION

 

For more information on the project and the position, you can contact the supervisors Dr. Werner Adriaenssens (w.adriaenssens@kmkg-mrah.be) and Prof. dr. Maude Bass-Krueger (maude.basskrueger@ugent.be).

 

For more information on the application procedure, you can contact the HR office at the Royal Museums of Art and History (g.leroy@kmkg-mrah.be) and/or the Recruitment Office of Ghent University (aanstellingenzap@UGent.be).

 

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read our FAQ or contact helpdesk (dpo@ugent.be – tel. 09/264 98 98)