Institute of Art History

Two doctoral (PhD) positions
60 %

University of Zurich's Institute of Art History invites applications for two doctoral positions within Prof. Dr. Raphaèle Preisinger's research project "GLOBECOSAL: Global Economies of Salvation. Art and the Negotiation of Sanctity in the Early Modern Period", funded by the ERC (European Research Council) and the SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation). The project investigates how artworks were employed in the process of negotiating sanctity with the Roman Curia in the age of Iberian hegemony (1500–1700) by examining the artworks produced with regard to the pioneers of Catholic blesseds and saints in the post-Tridentine 'global' context. For further information

Your responsibilities

The two PhD candidates write their dissertations within the project's thematical scope: One focuses on the visual construction of sanctity relating to the Jesuit St. Francis Xavier, which involves carrying out research in Rome, Portugal and India; the other concentrates on the visual construction of sanctity relating to the patron saint of the American continent, St. Rose of Lima, which involves traveling to Rome, Spain and Peru. Participation in all of the project's activities, including support for project-related research, organizational and administrative tasks, and residency in Zurich are expected.

Your profile

The successful candidates should demonstrate outstanding scientific potential and should hold a master's degree in Early Modern or Global Art History. A further requirement for a successful application is an excellent level of English and a very good level of either Portuguese (for the candidate working on St. Francis Xavier) or Spanish (for the one working on St. Rose of Lima). Knowledge of German is not required at the moment of application, but successful candidates should acquire basic skills in due time.

What we offer

We offer opportunities for professional development (PhD, participation in conferences and publications, workshops with experts in the field) in an inspiring environment, working within a research team welcoming an interdisciplinary outlook. Diversity and inclusion are important to us. Funding for research activities (travel) is available.

Place of work

University of Zurich located in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland.

Start of employment

The two doctoral positions are preliminarily assigned for 12 months each; upon extension, the positions may be held for a total of 48 months per PhD candidate, starting at the earliest possible mutually agreed date. Please submit your application by March 15, 2021, indicating which of the two doctoral positions you are applying for.

Please send your application electronically as one pdf-file comprising your motivation letter, a detailed CV, information on publications (if applicable), copies of obtained degrees, a writing sample (a chapter of the MA thesis or an article) and the contact details of two references.