Project description
This project examines the relationship between architecture, print culture, and uses of the past in modern Europe and beyond. Looking primarily at architectural debate from late 18^th to early 20^th century, we study the ways in which new notions of the past were negotiated and constructed through architecture. This negotiation took place not only in stone but on paper, not least in the illustrated press emerging from the 1830s onwards, spreading architectural texts and images to new audiences in Europe, European colonies and USA. By means of hitherto neglected historical material, PriArc studies the preconditions of architectural culture in the contemporary world; an urgent task, it seems, at a time when Europe’s built environment is being rapidly reconfigured, both as a physical structure and a mediated environment.

Based at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), this multidisciplinary humanities project involves researchers from Leiden University, Ghent University, and University College London, as well as designers and curators from Victoria & Albert Museum/Royal Institute of British Architects, London; Musée d'Orsay, Paris; Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo, and the digital media lab Factum Arte based in Madrid/Bologna.

The postdoc in this program will be based in Leiden, and will investigate, together with prof. dr. Mari Hvattum (Oslo, P.I. of the program), prof. dr. Caroline van Eck (Leiden/Cambridge) and dr Alice Thomine (Musée d'Orsay) the role of the Paris Ecole des Beaux-Arts. S/he will chart how the paper and built reconstructions of Graeco-Roman buildings play a role in the main issues addressed in this HERA program:

• transformation of the architectural canon and its implications about the question whether architecture should embody universal principles or is contingent on time and place;
• the polychromy debate and its ramifications/transformations into a debate about the origins of architecture;
• the aims and methods of architectural history;
• the transformation in the classical style that takes place in the envois and designs. 

Key responsibilities:

• To conduct research in the archives of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, the Musée d'Orsay and other relevant institutions and libraries;
• To prepare and submit research output for publication in peer-reviewed journals international journals;
• To write a monograph;
• To organize one of the projects workshops, to be held in Cambridge or Leiden, and to curate a web exhibition;
• To take an active part in the various activities of LUCAS. 

Selection criteria

• We are looking for an architectural or art historian specialized in 19th-century European architecture.
• The candidate must have an affinity with the theme of this research project, as is evident from publications, conference papers and teaching topics.
• Good French reading and speaking fluency is a requisite.
• The candidate is ready to play a substantial role in the research and teaching of LUCAS.
• Ph.D. degree in architectural or art history on a relevant subject, obtained after 2010
• Excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written
• Clear affinity to the project’s topic
• The ability to work independently but at the same time being a strong team player 

Our Faculty/Institute
The Faculty of Humanities hosts a wealth of expertise in fields including philosophy, history, art history, literature, linguistics, and area studies, covering practically the entire world. The Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is one of seven research institutes within the Faculty of Humanities. LUCAS focuses on the study of art, literature and culture through various media. 

Terms and conditions
The successful applicant will be appointed according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities ( CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), for a period of three years (38 hours per week). The gross monthly salary will range, depending on qualifications and experience, between € 2,532.- and € 3,997.- based upon a full-time appointment according to salary scale 10. The successful candidate will be expected to start between September and October 2016. 

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information
More information on the project may be obtained from the project’s coordinator, prof. dr. Caroline van Eck (c.a.van.eck@hum.leidenuniv.nl). 

For information about LUCAS, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities/centre-for-the-arts-in-society and about Leiden University at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/. 

Application
In order to apply, the applicant must submit the following:

• Cover letter;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Major writing sample;
• Research plan of no more than 2000 words;
• Name and contact details of two referees. 

Applications (indicating the vacancy number 16-197) should be submitted up to and including June 29, 2016. Applications should be sent to:  vacatureslucas@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Interviews are expected be held in the last week of August 2016.