Application deadline:
October 31, 2016
Commencement of post:
March 1, 2017
HEAD – Genève (Geneva University of Art and Design)
Boulevard Helvétique 9
1205 Geneva
Switzerland
Work commitment: 80%
Working at HEAD—Genève Design Department (MA in Design), taking part in the HEAD’s research team and getting involved in the EPFL’s EDAR Doctoral Programme, the PhD student will take part in the implementation of a new doctoral course that promotes a stimulating and critical dialogue between design research, architecture, urban planning and social sciences. The aim of the programme is to help PhD students to bring an original contribution to their field, thanks to a cross-disciplinary approach.
From a content point of view, the PhD student will develop a research project that combines critical and reflexive aspects on design in a broad sense with urban sciences. The applicant will have the minimum of an MA, preferably in the field of design. An MA in a discipline related to urban sciences or design may be considered e.g. History of Art, Architecture, Sociology, Geography, Urban Planning.
Once accepted, the PhD student will follow compulsory EDAR courses and obtain the required credits.
International applications are welcome, subject to obtaining a work permit.
Applications will be submitted in French or English.
Applicants will have excellent spoken and written French.
The PhD student will be employed at HEAD—Genève as an assistant.
He/she will dedicate a minimum of 40% of their time to the duties outlined below, the rest of the time being devoted to writing their thesis.
Main elements of the assistant’s duties
Under the responsibility of the HEAD teacher following the PhD thesis and the person in charge of the relevant MA course, and in close collaboration with teaching staff:
–Supervising workshops for projects: monitoring schedules, managing equipment and
rooms, preparing learning material
–Helping students carry out their practical work and contributing to theory seminars
–Helping out with contracts and projects with outside partners
–Drafting and publishing printed and online publications
Organisational and administrative activities:
–Administrative monitoring and organisation of activities for the course (study trips, exhibitions, events, etc.)
–Managing orders and expenses incurred for the course’s workshops and projects
–Monitoring the appointment of guest lecturers and in-house and external communications for the course
–Preparing and leading seminars and reading groups
–Monitoring the curriculum and coordinating the study programme
Profile:
–MA degree or equivalent
–Interested in design research and more generally scientific research
–Capable of providing for the monitoring of education under the supervision of a teacher
–One to three years professional experience in the field being taught
–Technical, graphic or artistic skills to help develop projects
–Proficient in the use of office software and familiar with desktop-publishing software (e.g. InDesign, Excel, etc.)
–Capable of working independently and with a team
–Organisational and writing skills
–Good knowledge of spoken and written French and English
–Good social and public relations skills
–Available, thorough, resistant and creative
Specific conditions attached to the position:
The appointed applicant will be enrolled in the EDAR doctoral school of EPFL. He/she will work at HEAD—Genève.
The PhD thesis will be co-directed by staff members from EDAR/EPFL and HEAD—Gen.ve.
Application requirements
The application will include: a summary of the thesis project clearly stating the applicant’s interest in the topics outlined above (four pages maximum, with an outline of the research topic, possible illustrations and a bibliography), examples of written work, published or original MA dissertation, articles, essays, etc., a motivation letter, a complete resume, copies of certificates, the student’ latest grades and the names and contact details of two referees.
Electronic applications will be submitted in PDF to [email protected]
–Incomplete applications or applications which do not meet the required criteria will not be considered.
–For further information, please contact Prof Alexandra Midal ([email protected]).
The contract will be for a four-year period under the terms of the Staff Regulations of the HES SO – Genève and the agreement between HEAD—Genève and EPFL. Please note that HES SO Staff Regulations will be modified in 2017.
