Senior academic staff (i.e. assistant professor, associate professor, professor or full professor)Theory and history of the interior

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The Interior Architecture programme in the Faculty of Design Sciences has the following full-time vacancy: senior academic staff (i.e. assistant professor, associate professor, professor or full professor) in the field of Theory and History of the Interior

You have a strong research profile and expertise in interior theory and history that demonstrate a strong connection with design. You are a research expert in the theoretical, historical and socio-cultural contexts of the interior (discipline). From this research expertise, you teach the theory and history of interior design and interior architecture, but also ensure the implementation of this knowledge in the substantiation of assignments within the design studios.

Position

You will contribute to the University of Antwerp’s three core tasks: education (40%), research (40%), and services (20%). Your role also includes organisational and managerial aspects.

Education

• You will provide high-quality education in the fields of theory and history of the interior and monitor/coordinate the theoretical and historical underpinnings of design assignments within the studios and labs.
• You will collaborate with colleagues working on related topics.
• Your teaching role will evolve along with the gradual implementation of the new curriculum (starting from the academic year 2024-2025). You will teach courses in history, theory and research in the bachelor and/or master track. You will support the research oriented labs within the educational track “Design”.
• You position the interior discipline within a broad social context and do so from an ethical approach, with an eye for diversity, inclusiveness and sustainability.
• You look for educational synergies between the various programmes within the Faculty of Design Sciences, the University of Antwerp, and international programmes.
• You strengthen the nexus of education and research by implementing new insights in teaching and ensure a systematic build-up of this knowledge domain in the study programme.
• You will contribute to the development of activating, student-centred, and competence-driven programme components and study programmes.
• You will supervise bachelor's and master's theses within your field of expertise.

Research

• You can rely on high-quality scientific research in the areas of interior design theory and history, which shows a strong affinity with design.
• You will initiate new lines of research and coordinate the progress of scientific research projects. You will also participate in ongoing research programmes within the interior architecture programme and the Henry Van de Velde research group, and this from a strong collegial, collaborative attitude.
• You can demonstrate the ability to acquire and manage (inter)national research funding.
• Publications in international journals and professional literature evidence your track record.
• You have developed an international scientific network and want to strengthen this further.
• You will supervise Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers.

Services

• You will play a role in providing both academic services and service to society, within the institution and externally. You will participate in student recruitment, boards and committees, popular science communication, etc.

Organisation and leadership

• You will accept coordinating responsibilities in the areas of education, research and/or service provision and you will contribute to the policy of the interior architecture programme.
• You have strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, focused on creating synergy.
• You actively strengthen the international network of the programme/faculty/university.
• Your leadership style will be motivating and coaching. You will be attentive to your employees’ growth and development processes.

Profile

• You hold a Ph.D. in the field of interior architecture/design, architecture, or in a related discipline such as art or design history.
• You can demonstrate several years of postdoctoral experience (or equivalent).
• Experience in design practice adds value to your profile.
• You are a motivated researcher, able to conduct high-quality academic research in the field of interior architecture and its ontological aspects, demonstrated by publications and exhibitions.
• You have a track record of research in the history and theory of interior design approaches in Belgium, as well as in other contexts.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies. You have established an excellent research portfolio. You can demonstrate experience in setting up and implementing research projects in relevant fields and in acquiring the necessary funds.
• You are an engaged educator, able to teach interior design studios as well as to lecture in the history and theory of interior architecture.
• You have experience in developing and reflecting upon design studio education in interior architecture with a special focus on ontological aspects and research-based design approaches.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision. You are motivated to further develop your teaching skills through the professionalisation opportunities available.
• If you do not speak Dutch, the administrative language of the university, you should be willing to obtain a CEFR B2 level of proficiency in Dutch within three years. As soon as you take on teaching duties as a programme component coordinator, you should be able to demonstrate a CEFR C1 level of proficiency in the language of instruction. The University of Antwerp supports international staff members through an integration trajectory and offers tailor-made language coaching in compliance with Flanders’ statutory language regulations.
• You are an interdisciplinary team player.
• You demonstrate leadership and organisational skills, preferably in education and research.
• You are involved in several international organisations.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer a full-time appointment as a member of the Senior Academic Staff (Dutch: Zelfstandig Academisch Personeel, ZAP). The level of your appointment (assistant professor, associate professor, professor, or full professor) is determined on the basis of your professional experience and academic qualifications. Junior ZAP members are usually offered temporary appointment as a tenure track assistant professor for five years, followed by a permanent appointment as an associate professor. Appointment as an associate professor or higher leads to permanent appointment (tenure) after a maximum of three years. A favourable performance appraisal is always required for permanent appointment.
• We offer, after a positive evaluation of a PhD project you conducted, an attractive starter package consisting of a four-year PhD project and €15 000 of consumables to boost your research from the start of your employment at the University of Antwerp.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scales for Senior Academic Staff.        
• You will receive eco-cheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• The planned start date is 15 September 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• You will do most of your work at Stadscampus Mutsaard in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here and discover all the other benefits.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 20 February 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on 'apply,’ complete the online application form, and don’t forget to include the following documents: (1) your motivation letter, (2) the completed job application appendix for ZAP, (3) your academic CV, (4) your research plan and (5) your vision on education.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. If you are invited to the selection interview, you will also be asked to propose a topic for a four-year PhD project and a date will be agreed for participation in an assessment centre.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or email jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job, please contact programme chair Els De Vos (els.devos@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation that invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and various characteristics to apply.