The Research Group Architectural History and Conservation at the Department of Architecture, Urban Design and Planning (OAM-ASRO), Catholic University of Leuven, is seeking a

Doctoral fellow (m/f) -

Goal of the position

Working closely with the supervisors’ collective[1], directed by Prof. dr. eng.arch. Krista De Jonge, and a fellow researcher at the post-doctoral level, to carry out the research project  
Designing Architecture in the Sixteenth-Century Low Countries Architectural Drawing as Motor and Medium for a New Designing Practice (3E091133).

Tasks

•  Carrying out fundamental research on the "design and design process of architecture in the Low Countries during the ‘long’ sixteenth century (1480-1630), with the architectural drawing and print as its main focus". The objective is gaining insight into the design of architecture while keeping in mind that in the Renaissance architecture is newly defined as an intellectual activity, and that the architectural drawing constitutes one of the mechanisms of interchange with the fine arts. Symptom of a new practice but also motive force of its development, the architectural drawing will be studied as means of communication and as design tool, on and off the construction site.
• Three turning points will be analyzed in depth by promoters De Jonge, Kavaler, Fuhring, Ottenheym and Nuβbaum: 1. the impact of the first graphical research on the column orders 1520-1540; 2. the development of a common visual architectural culture on the eve of the Revolt 1550-1580; 3. the genesis of an increasingly mathematical architectural practice 1590-1630, in a comparative European perspective with special attention for the German Empire. The PhD researcher focuses on the building site and examines the evolving role of architectural drawing in Netherlandish building practice during the sixteenth century.
• Organizing workshops and a concluding symposium, and helping to prepare the publication of the papers.
• Editing and defending a doctoral dissertation in this area, within the established time frame of the project.

Profile

• You can demonstrate your interest in and knowledge of the subject, based on education, work or research experience.
• You have a Master diploma in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Conservation, Art History, Archaeology or (Early Modern) History with a master thesis on related subjects, or other proof of clear interest in these fields.
• You distinguished yourself during your studies, and/or subsequent career (if applicable).
• You have a strong feel for scientific analysis and synthesis and are willing and able to carry out fundamental and innovative research on your subject through a comprehensive study of literature and sources.
• You are proficient in many languages and have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, in Dutch, French, German and English.
• You can work independently, are creative and accurate, and prepared to work on the task as part of a team, flexibly and results-oriented, keeping to a strict schedule.
• You preferably have experience with large-scale and comprehensive source research and with editing academic texts.
• You are willing to perform a well-defined set of tasks during study visits abroad.
• You preferably have a driving licence and car.

Selection procedure

Pre-selection on the basis of elements from the profile.

Tests and/or interviews in connection with the tasks stated above.

We offer

After a trial period, we offer a full-time doctoral fellowship for a period of four years.

How to apply

If interested, surf to the website of the Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School: http://phd.kuleuven.be/set/voorstellen_departement?departement=50000543#detail  and apply online.

For more information, please contact Prof. Krista De Jonge (016/32.13.61 – Krista.dejonge@asro.kuleuven.be).

Applications should reach us preferably by 1 April 2010.

K.U.Leuven pursues a policy of equal opportunity and diversity.